South Korean president seeks independent military command after US reduces joint drills

AI-summarized · Neutrality-checked

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged an acceleration of the transfer of wartime operational control (Opcon) from the US to South Korea and called for the development of nuclear-powered submarines. This move followed US President Donald Trump’s instruction to the Pentagon to substantially reduce the Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercises, citing a positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Wartime Opcon has been held by a US four-star general since the 1953 armistice, and reclaiming it serves as a central symbol of South Korean national sovereignty. The decision to scale back the exercises, which involved 18,000 South Korean troops and personnel from 11 UN Command member states, prompted Lee to argue that strengthening independent military capabilities is essential to the US-South Korea alliance.

Consequences

The reduction of joint military exercises may hinder the certification process required for South Korea to assume full wartime operational control of its forces. Additionally, the push for independent military capabilities suggests an intent by the South Korean government to mitigate potential security gaps caused by changes in the intensity of US-led joint training.

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