politics
South Korea president calls for military independence in wake of Trump call to cut joint drills
Lee Jae Myung reiterates desire for full command back in Seoul’s hands after Donald Trump cuts joint exercises, citing warm ties with Kim Jong-un
TL;DR
- South Korea's president is renewing efforts to regain independent wartime control of its military from the US.
- The push includes accelerating the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
- US President Donald Trump ordered a substantial reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea.
- Trump cited North Korea's 'unthreatening and respectful' behavior and his 'very good relationship' with Kim Jong-un as reasons for the drill cuts.
- Wartime operational control (Opcon) of South Korean forces has been with the US since the Korean War armistice in 1953.
- Reclaiming Opcon is a significant national security goal for South Korea, pursued for over two decades.
- Reduced drills were intended to certify South Korea's readiness to assume Opcon.
- North Korea has deepened military ties with Russia and is reportedly sharing lessons learned from the Ukraine war.
- South Korean officials stated the drills are defensive and not intended to attack North Korea or escalate tensions.