(LEAD) Lee reaffirms push to retake wartime operational control of troops during his term

President Lee Jae Myung reiterated his pledge on Tuesday to wrest wartime operational control (OPCON) of South Korean troops away from the United States before his term concludes in 2030. He emphasized the necessity of self-sufficient defense capabilities during a Cabinet meeting, stating that the OPCON transfer should be completed during his tenure as initially planned.

Lee also directed officials to expedite the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, asserting that autonomous defense capabilities and a robust alliance with Washington should be complementary.

The U.S. relinquished OPCON to the U.N. Command during the Korean War in 1950-53, later transferring it to the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command upon its creation in 1978. Seoul regained peacetime OPCON in 1994, but wartime OPCON remains under U.S. jurisdiction. Lee's renewed push for OPCON transfer followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement via social media of plans to significantly reduce joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises, allegedly aimed at fostering dialogue with North Korea, which has long viewed the drills as war rehearsals.

Seoul and Washington initiated their annual summer joint drills, Ulchi Freedom Shield, on Monday. Lee argued that regaining wartime OPCON should be pursued as part of broader efforts to fortify national defense capabilities in the face of a rapidly changing global security landscape and the transition toward hybrid warfare. He stressed the need to cultivate military leaders with comprehensive operational skills and directed officials to implement the planned integration of the three military academies into a single institution without hesitation.

Lee underscored that a strong alliance bolsters security, while nurturing the nation's own capabilities enhances its value and importance as an ally. Turning to domestic matters, the president called for political cooperation between opposing parties, issuing a call for unity and collaboration after the ruling Democratic Party of Korea elected Kim Min-seok as its new leader following a party convention.

Lee urged the nation to unite in building an "irreplaceable South Korea" rather than engaging in divisive political disputes that could jeopardize people's livelihoods.