The East Asia Institute (EAI) hosted a Youth Focus Group with Bryan Port, Director of Strategy Division of the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and the United States Forces in Korea. The discussions revolve around the topic of the US military presence in South Korea and the expectations of future South Korea-US relations, specifically on opinions regarding plans on relocation to Pyeongtaek and operational control transition of the forces to the Korean army.

Presenter
Bryan Port, United States Forces Korea

Participants
Soo-bin Bae, Yonsei University
Ole Engelhardt, University of Vienna
Brian Kim, University of Hawaii
Hye-in Kim, Korea University
Mi-so Lee, Seoul National University
Caroline Pratama, Seoul National University GSIS
Hyun-seok Shin, Yonsei University
Yi-soo Shin, Ewha Womans University

Reporter
Caroline Pratama, Seoul National University GSIS

EAI conducted an installment of its quarterly series of Youth Focus Groups with U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). Our interns were able to ask questions and express their perspectives on the future command relationships between the U.S. and ROK military, as well as how the ROK-U.S. alliance will adapt to changing circumstances with respect to North Korea and developments around the region. USFK is able to gain additional insight into Korean perspectives on issues of mutual importance to both our nations. Mr. Bryan Port from USFK led the discussion, and our interns enthusiastically engaged, each sharing their individual assessments on the popular opinion and perceptions. Our interns were able to expand their knowledge of the regional security setting and discuss how they see Korea's role in the future. The meeting resulted in fruitful exchanges of technical knowledge, critical analysis and sharing of ideas between Mr. Port and the participants.