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World News · 4 Beginner · August 17, 2026

Trump Reduces Military Training with South Korea

Trump Reduces Military Training with South Korea
Photo: Sergey Platonov via Pexels

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Vocabulary

drill /drɪl/ noun
practice exercise that soldiers do to prepare for fighting
The soldiers do drills every week to stay ready.
joint /dʒɔɪnt/ adjective
done together by two or more groups or countries
The two countries have a joint military training program.
reduce /rɪˈdjuːs/ verb
to make something smaller or less
Trump wants to reduce the number of military drills.
defense /dɪˈfens/ noun
protection against attack or harm
A strong defense keeps a country safe.
reliable /rɪˈlaɪəbəl/ adjective
able to be trusted and counted on
A reliable friend always helps you when you need them.
depend on /dɪˈpend ɑn/ verb
to need someone or something; to trust someone to help
South Korea depends on the United States for military support.

Article

The United States and South Korea do military training together every year. These training exercises are called joint drills. They practice fighting together. They want to stay strong and ready. Now President Trump says they will do fewer drills. Many people think this is not a good idea.

What Are Joint Drills?

Joint drills are practice exercises. American soldiers and South Korean soldiers work together. They practice fighting and defense. They learn how to work as a team. These drills happen many times each year. They have done this for many years.

Why Does This Matter?

North Korea is led by Kim Jong Un. North Korea has weapons and can be dangerous. South Korea is worried about North Korea. The United States helps protect South Korea. The joint drills show that the United States and South Korea are strong partners. When there are fewer drills, people worry less protection is happening.

What Do People Say?

Many people say this decision is bad. They worry that North Korea will think the United States is weaker. They say the United States is not as reliable. Other people think reducing drills helps improve relations with North Korea. They hope this makes peace easier.

What Happens Next?

South Korea is surprised by this decision. They depend on the United States for help. Now they must think about what to do. The joint drills will continue, but with fewer exercises. Everyone is watching to see what happens next.

Discussion Questions

  1. What are joint drills? Why do countries do them together?
  2. Why is South Korea worried about this decision?
  3. Do you think reducing the drills is good or bad? Why?
  4. How do you think North Korea feels about this news?
  5. What should the United States and South Korea do now?

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