US President Donald Trump says there is no plan for now to reduce or withdraw US troops from South Korea in return for the North's denuclearization.

Trump told a CBS television interview program that North Korea can become a great country economically. But he suggested that it can't be one without changing its current course.

When asked if the US troops in South Korea will be maintained, he said that downsizing has not been discussed and is not planned.

But he added, "Maybe someday." He conceded that it is very expensive to have the troops stationed there.

Concerns have been voiced in some circles that Trump may use a possible pull-out or reduction of troop numbers as bargaining chips in his denuclearization talks with Pyongyang.

The second summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is expected to take place in late February.

In preparation for the summit, US special envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun is now in South Korea. He is expected to meet with his North Korean counterpart in the truce village of Panmunjom in the demilitarized zone that divides the two Koreas.

NHK