(2nd LD) Lee reaffirms push to retake wartime operational control of troops during his term

President Lee Jae Myung reiterated his commitment to regaining wartime operational control (OPCON) of South Korean troops from the United States before the end of his term in 2030. He emphasized the importance of self-reliant defense capabilities during a Cabinet meeting. The president also directed officials to expedite the implementation of a project to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, stating that independent defense capabilities and a strong alliance between Seoul and Washington should complement each other.

South Korea transferred OPCON to the U.S.-led U.N. Command during the Korean War, and it was later transferred to the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command in 1978. Currently, wartime OPCON remains in U.S. hands. Lee's renewed call for OPCON transfer followed U.S. President Donald Trump's social media post about limiting joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises, which some in Pyongyang view as war rehearsals.

Lee stressed that regaining wartime OPCON is crucial as part of efforts to strengthen national defense capabilities in a rapidly changing global security environment, with a focus on nurturing military leaders with comprehensive operational capabilities. The president instructed officials to implement the planned integration of the three military academies into a single institution without hesitation.

Lee also called for political cooperation between rival parties, urging them to join forces to create an "irreplaceable South Korea" instead of engaging in futile political strife that could harm the well-being of its people.