Abstract
Due to the fact that national independence was not achieved by Korea’s own effort but was a result of the end of the Second World War, there was no formal body which could be called the national military in Korea. To make matters worse, the division of Korea by the American and the Soviet forces lessened the resources available to South Korea to create a national military. Therefore, South Korea could not help but be totally dependent on the US forces when the Korean War started. During more than 40 years of military relationship, South Korea has increased its military capability with remarkable speed with the help of the United States and its own efforts. However, its military is still insufficient on its own to deter North Korea and the US—ROK combined forces continue to play a crucial role in its defence.
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Notes
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© 1996 Kim Jung-Ik
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Jung-Ik, K. (1996). The United States—Republic of Korea Military Relationship, 1945–93. In: The Future of the US-Republic of Korea Military Relationship. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-13910-1_3
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