Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung met with a delegation of U.S. lawmakers Thursday and reaffirmed his commitment to regain wartime operational control from Washington as part of a push to take on a greater share of the defense burden on the Korean Peninsula. Lee made the remarks during a meeting with six members of the Congressional Study Group on Korea, where the two sides exchanged views on security and economic issues between Seoul and Washington.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee emphasized the importance of increasing defense spending and reducing the burden on the United States by regaining wartime operational control. He stressed that it is crucial for South Korea to take responsibility for safeguarding peace and stability in Northeast Asia, particularly around the Korean Peninsula. Lee expressed that the defense of the Korean Peninsula should be carried out by South Korea's own strength and capabilities.
Lee also expressed gratitude for U.S. support during the 1950-53 Korean War and asked the lawmakers to continue supporting peace and stability on the peninsula. His remarks followed comments from Donald Trump, who criticized South Korea as "not helpful" to the U.S. despite American troops being stationed near a nuclear-armed North Korea. Trump called for greater efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Furthermore, Lee highlighted the importance of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula from South Korea's perspective, noting its significance in U.S. political circles. He underscored the broader security implications for Northeast Asia and beyond, emphasizing the importance of dialogue with Washington and Pyongyang to achieve meaningful progress.
In his efforts to foster peace, Lee reiterated his proposal to Trump, suggesting that Trump serve as a "peacemaker" while Seoul would assume the role of a "pacemaker" to support peace efforts. The U.S. delegation included representatives Ami Bera (D-CA), Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Patrick Harrigan (R-NC).