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🇰🇷 South Korea /Conflict & Security

Lee vows to regain OPCON without fail before end of term in 2028

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • President Lee Jae Myung reiterated his commitment to reclaiming wartime operational control of South Korea's armed forces from the US by 2028.
  • Lee highlighted South Korea's strong military capabilities, ranking fifth globally in military power and possessing advanced weapon systems.
  • The president emphasized the defensive nature of the Ulchi exercises, stressing their role in protecting citizens and ensuring national security.

President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed his determination to reclaim wartime operational control of South Korea's armed forces from the United States within his current term, which concludes in 2028. During a Cabinet meeting held alongside the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, Lee emphasized the nation's robust defense capabilities.

The Republic of Korea is ranked fifth globally in military power.

— President Lee Jae MyungHighlighting South Korea's military strength during a Cabinet meeting.

"The Republic of Korea is ranked fifth globally in military power," Lee stated, highlighting that South Korea's national defense capabilities are among the world's top four. He noted that the country's defense spending is 1.4 times that of North Korea and asserted that its self-defense capacity, in terms of weapon systems and military strength, is already elite.

Our national defense capabilities are also among the top four in the world, and our defense spending is 1.4 times the gross national product of North Korea.

— President Lee Jae MyungFurther detailing South Korea's military prowess and resource allocation.

To further strengthen these capabilities, Lee stressed the need to comprehensively enhance operational abilities and develop a human resource system. He also urged the smooth launch of an integrated four-year academy for the army, navy, and air force, and the acceleration of a project to construct nuclear-powered submarines, which he described as symbolizing a constructive and firm alliance with the US.

In weapon systems and military strength, our self-defense capacity is already among the world’s elite, so we can say we are more than sufficient.

— President Lee Jae MyungAsserting the advanced state of South Korea's military self-defense capabilities.

Prior to the meeting, Lee chaired a National Security Council session to review the military's readiness for wartime scenarios. Blue House spokesperson Kang Yu-jung conveyed Lee's emphasis on the importance of preparing for the worst-case scenario while pursuing peace. Lee stressed that the Ulchi exercises are practical drills designed to protect the people and ensure national security during emergencies. He clarified that the exercises are defensive in nature, aimed at safeguarding lives and peace, and not intended for attacking North Korea or escalating tensions.

symbolize the future of a constructive and firm” alliance with the US.

— President Lee Jae MyungDescribing the significance of constructing nuclear-powered submarines.
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Originally published by Hankyoreh. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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