Seoul: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday called for finding a "balance" in the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea in a way that respects the roles the U.S. military has played for decades.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hegseth made the remarks at a defense forum in Singapore amid growing concerns over what appears to be differing views between Seoul and Washington over when and how the transition should proceed. Hegseth emphasized the importance of honoring U.S. military plans and responsibilities while transitioning wartime OPCON to the Republic of Korea, which Seoul seeks to complete before the end of the Lee Jae Myung administration's term in 2030.

However, doubts have emerged over whether Washington aligns with Seoul on the proposed timeline, as U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson suggested aiming to meet the conditions for the OPCON transfer by the first quarter of 2029. South Korea initially handed over operational control of its troops to the U.S.-led U.N. Command during the Korean War and later to the Combined Forces Command in 1978.

Hegseth expressed a positive outlook on Seoul's determination to regain wartime OPCON, describing it as a "breath of fresh air" and noting it provides more options for both nations on the Korean peninsula. He also addressed South Korea's pursuit of a nuclear-powered submarine program, affirming U.S. support for allies expanding their undersea warfare capabilities, enhancing deterrence and regional stability.

The U.S.' unmatched undersea warfare capabilities, according to Hegseth, would present "strategic dilemmas" for adversaries if its allies develop similar capabilities. He acknowledged challenges in this endeavor but reiterated a commitment to collaboration. Following a summit in October, the U.S. supported South Korea's plans for conventionally armed nuclear-powered attack submarines.

Earlier, South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced a roadmap for the nation's nuclear-propelled submarine program, aiming to domestically develop such assets and launch the first vessel by the mid-2030s.