Lee Jae Myung Reaffirms Reclaiming Wartime Military Control from US

(MENAFN) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed his commitment on Wednesday to reclaim wartime operational authority over the nation's military from the United States, according to a news outlet.

This declaration underscores a core component of Lee’s national security agenda.

Speaking at the Gyeryongdae military base during the 77th Armed Forces Day ceremony, Lee emphasized that "The Republic of Korea will lead a joint defense posture with Washington by regaining the operational control based on the firm ROK-U.S. alliance," using South Korea’s formal name, the Republic of Korea.

Lee further stated that "A solid combined defense capability and posture will not only bring peace and stability to the Korean Peninsula but also contribute to the region's stability and shared prosperity," highlighting the broader regional implications of strengthened defense autonomy.

In recent discussions, defense authorities from both nations assessed the status of preparations necessary for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the U.S. to South Korea.

These dialogues took place last week and also earlier in May.

South Korea remains one of the United States' longest-standing and most dependable allies, currently hosting about 28,500 U.S. troops on its soil.

While the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff oversee peacetime operational control, the US-led Combined Forces Command assumes command in times of conflict.

The shift of control dates back to the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, during which South Korea entrusted its military authority to the U.S.-led United Nations Command.

In 1978, that control was transitioned to the Combined Forces Command formed by the allied nations.

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