Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung stated that South Korea intends to reclaim wartime operational control of its troops from the United States and lead a strong joint defense posture with Washington upon the completion of the planned operational command transfer.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee made these assertions during a speech commemorating the 77th Armed Forces Day at the Gyeryongdae military headquarters. Retaking wartime command has been a significant security pledge for Lee, as this control has remained with the top U.S. military commander in South Korea since the 1950-53 Korean War.
Lee emphasized South Korea's commitment to leading a joint defense posture with Washington, noting that a solid combined defense capability will contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader region. Since the Korean War, operational control was first transferred to the U.S.-led U.N. Command and later to the allies' Combined Forces Command in 1978. While South Korea regained peacetime operational control in 1994, wartime control has remained with the U.S.
Defense officials from both countries have been reviewing the conditions necessary for the transfer, which include South Korea's ability to lead combined forces and enhance strike and air defense capabilities. The transition has been a long-standing issue, with previous governments adjusting its timeline in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile developments.
Lee highlighted South Korea's defense credibility, citing its ranking among the world's top five military powers and its significant defense expenditure relative to North Korea. He also noted the importance of the ROK-U.S. alliance and the reliable nuclear deterrence it provides.
To address future battlefield threats, Lee outlined plans to restructure the military into professional, smart, elite forces. The government plans to increase defense spending to 66.3 trillion won (US$47.6 billion) by 2026, focusing on advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, drones, and robotics.
Additionally, Lee pledged to boost support for the defense industry as a strategic asset and economic driver, while also improving conditions and compensation for service members.