▲ Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Secretary of Defense Chung Kyung-du attended the talks


Defense Minister Chung Kyung-du reportedly talked to US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Tuesday and explained the government's decision to terminate the Korea-Japan Military Information Protection Agreement (GSOMIA).

In a call about 6:30 am on the day, Mr. Esper expressed strong concern and disappointment, emphasizing communication to maintain the three Korea-US security cooperation.

A government official said, "Esper expressed concern in his phone call with Chung, but he stressed the need to communicate and cooperate closely to maintain security cooperation."

But a military official said, "Esper expresses strong concern and disappointment," commented by the Pentagon. He said the ROK-US security cooperation should continue. "

Earlier, US Defense Department spokesman Dave Eastbourn said Wednesday he expressed "strong concern and disappointment" over South Korea's decision to end Jisomia.

"We strongly believe that the full state of mutual defense and security solidarity should continue despite friction in other areas of our relations," said Eastburn.

(Photo = Yonhap News)