The South Korean Defense Ministry made it clear Tuesday that there has never been any discussions between the U.S. and South Korea on the possible reduction or overseas re-deployment of the U.S. Second Infantry Division currently stationed in the South.

A Defense Ministry spokesman said that the ministry has not had any discussions with the U.S. Defense Department on the reduction of American forces in Korea, and added that a possible realignment of the U.S. forces would be realized only after close consultation between the two countries.

As for reports of the possible disbandment of the U.S.-South Korea Combined Forces Command, a defense ministry official said such reports might have been mistaken, adding that the Command has no alternative but to remain in place, as long as the U.S. has forces in Korea.