Chairman Seo Young-kyo is passing a bill during a plenary session of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on Wednesday 2026.4.22 / News1

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek firmly denied reports on Wednesday that U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson had protested to him following Unification Minister Chung Dong-young's comments about North Korean nuclear facilities.

Speaking at a National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting in Seoul, Ahn responded to opposition lawmakers' queries, stating that the notion that the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) commander would protest to South Korea's defense minister is diplomatically inappropriate and entirely false.

An emphasized his frequent communication with Gen. Brunson, saying that it discusses various topics regularly, but there was absolutely no protest as reported.

He drew a parallel to previous misconceptions, adding, Remember the THAAD issue? He repeatedly stated that while minor adjustments might occur, the system wouldn't be moved overseas. People were skeptical then, but wasn't he proven right.

Addressing Minister Chung's remarks about North Korean nuclear facilities, Ahn clarified that the locations mentioned have been widely discussed in academic papers and articles. This isn't a leak of classified information.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek firmly denied reports on Wednesday that U.S. Forces Korea Co …

Did U.S. Forces Really Complain? South Korea's Defense Minister Sets the Record Straight!