The U.S. military in South Korea said Wednesday it will lift a nearly nine-year-old curfew on its service members from Friday.
The curfew has been imposed since days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, in line with curfews set by most U.S. bases worldwide.
While most U.S. bases worldwide ended such restrictions, the U.S. Forces Korea hasn't fully lifted the curfew, citing security concerns facing an unpredictable North Korea.
"Korea is a safe place to live and raise a family," said Gen. Walter Sharp, the commander of U.S. forces in South Korea, in a statement. "As we move toward tour normalization, it makes sense to cancel the curfew."
Apparently mindful of a potential increase in discipline problems after the curfew ends, Sharp urged the U.S. soldiers to "make the right choices, display good examples, strengthen our alliance."
Under the curfew, which has been gradually relaxed, U.S. service members are required to be indoors from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. on weekends and U.S. holidays, and from midnight to 5 a.m. on weekdays
About 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War.