Seoul and Washington agreed a five-year deal on defence cost-sharing last year, but Mr Trump recently indicated that expenses tied to the American military presence could become a point of negotiation in broader trade talks. But South Korean officials insisted on tackling the issue of defence contributions separately.

The US denied a media report that Washington is reviewing a proposal to withdraw some of its forces stationed in South Korea.

The "Wall Street Journal" suggested that the U.S. president's administration is considering withdrawing 4,500 soldiers. Officials assure that South Korea and the U.S. continue to cooperate to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula.