South Korea and the United States failed on Wednesday to reach an agreement over Seoul's contribution toward hosting some 28,500 U.S. troops, ending two days of talks that were the last before their existing deal expires on Dec. 31.
South Korean lawmakers have said Washington is seeking up to $5 billion a year, more than five times the amount Seoul agreed to pay this year.
As part of his "America First" policy, U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded that many American allies, including NATO members and Japan, pay more toward defense.