Lee vows to regain OPCON without fail before end of term in 2028

President Lee Jae Myung pledged on Tuesday to regain operational control of South Korea's military forces, known as OPCON, from the United States before the end of his term in 2028. Delivering his statement during a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House, Lee highlighted the nation's strong military standing, ranking fifth globally in military power.

He provided context, stating that South Korea's defense spending is 1.4 times the gross national product of North Korea, and that the country's self-defense capabilities are among the top four globally. Lee assured that South Korea's self-defense capacity is already elite compared to the world, eliminating the need for further elaboration.

To enhance national defense capabilities, Lee proposed comprehensive improvements in operational readiness and a human resource development system to support these efforts. The president further emphasized the importance of a detailed four-year academy encompassing all branches of the military, as well as the acceleration of the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, which he believed would symbolize a robust alliance with the United States.

Prior to the meeting, Lee chaired a plenary session of the National Security Council to review military preparedness for total war during a wartime scenario and assess related procedures and measures for such a transition. Lee stressed that while peace and the avoidance of conflict are paramount, preparation for the worst-case scenario is equally critical.

He stressed that the Ulchi exercises, which are conducted with the United States, are primarily defensive in nature, aimed at safeguarding the lives and safety of South Korean citizens and ensuring national security in emergencies. Lee underscored that the exercises have no intention of attacking North Korea or escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula; their basic purpose is to ensure safety and peace in daily life for South Koreans.