Seoul: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday emphasized the necessity of achieving a "balance" in the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea. He stressed that this transition should honor the longstanding roles played by the U.S. military. Hegseth's comments came during a defense forum in Singapore, amidst rising concerns regarding the differing perspectives between Seoul and Washington on the timing and methodology of this transition.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hegseth remarked on the importance of finding a balance that respects the historical responsibilities of U.S. uniformed members as the transition to wartime OPCON for the Republic of Korea progresses. He acknowledged South Korea's desire for this transfer while speaking at the Asia Security Summit, commonly known as the Shangri-La Dialogue.