2025 ROK-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement Civil-Military Relations Subcommittee meeting

Photo By Col. Ryan Donald | The Republic of Korea and the United States held the 2025 ROK-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Civil-Military Relations Subcommittee meeting to strengthen civil-military cooperation and support the stable presence of U.S. Forces Korea. Co-chaired by Oh Chang-sae and Col. Ryan Donald, the talks focused on enhancing community relations, promoting cultural exchanges, and expanding cooperation through local programs and social media engagement. Both sides highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Pyeongtaek Good Neighbor Program, youth exchange projects, and events commemorating the alliance’s history, reaffirming their shared commitment to communication, mutual understanding, and swift response to any USFK-related issues.  

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

11.06.2025

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Korea

The Republic of Korea and the United States held the 2025 ROK-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Civil-Military Relations Subcommittee meeting Thursday to discuss ways to strengthen civil-military cooperation and support the stable presence of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).
The session was co-chaired by Oh Chang-sae, director of the ROK-U.S. Security Cooperation Division II, and Col. Ryan Donald, public affairs director for U.S. Forces Korea. Both sides discussed practical measures to promote mutual understanding and enhance relations between Korean communities and U.S. service members.
The SOFA Civil-Military Relations Subcommittee is one of 17 permanent subcommittees under the ROK-U.S. SOFA Joint Committee. It focuses on improving communication and fostering civil-military exchanges between Korean residents and U.S. personnel stationed in the country.
Recognizing the importance of strong civil-military ties to the stability of USFK, particularly as the alliance grows following the ROK-U.S. summit held during APEC, the two sides explored new areas of cooperation.
Oh highlighted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ efforts throughout the year, including support for the Pyeongtaek Good Neighbor Program, operation of the Pyeongtaek SOFA Support Center, management of the sixth We Go Supporters group, and production of online content shared through the ministry’s official social media channels.
The ministry shares multimedia content — such as videos, newsletters and card news — related to USFK and the ROK-U.S. alliance through Instagram (@sofacenter\_kr), YouTube (@rokus-sofa) and its Naver Blog (@sofacenter).
The Pyeongtaek Good Neighbor Program promotes a welcoming environment for USFK and strengthens the alliance through activities such as cultural exchange workshops, the Pyeongtaek International Peace Forum and ROK-U.S. Alliance Week.
Donald noted that, to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Command, the command organized initiatives to honor the alliance’s history and promote friendship. These included base visits for students, participation in the Incheon Landing Operation commemoration ceremony, and community outreach during U.S. Navy ship visits to Busan and other Korean ports.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintain close communication and cooperation, including sharing social media content, developing joint local programs, and encouraging broader USFK participation in community events. They also underscored the importance of expanding cultural exchanges between Korean youth and U.S. service members and pledged continued efforts to prevent and respond swiftly to any incidents involving USFK.

• Date Taken: 11.06.2025
• Date Posted: 11.07.2025 17:51
• Story ID: 550776
• Location: SEOUL, KR