The U.S. government has reportedly requested South Korea to share the cost of upgrading the security system of the United States Forces Korea.

A Seoul official said that South Korea had recently exchanged drafted proposals regarding the issue with Washington, adding that Seoul is closely studying the U.S. request.

However, the official was quick to add that the recent American request to cover the cost for modernizing the command, control, communications, computers and intelligence system and bilateral negotiations on the planned relocation of the Yongsan Garrison are two different matters.

The official also said that the negotiation process on sharing the defense cost would probably start next month and that the government has not conducted any consultations on the issue.