President Lee reaffirms goal to regain wartime operational control by 2028

President Lee Jae-myung has firmly restated his administration's goal to reclaim wartime operational control (SPO) of South Korean forces by 2028, a key pledge from his campaign. During a State Council meeting, the President stressed the critical importance of South Korea's self-reliance in defense, stating, "We must prepare ourselves to defend ourselves, to formulate our own strategic and operational plans." This assertion underscores a national aspiration for greater military autonomy and a reduced reliance on US command structures.

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We must prepare ourselves to defend ourselves, to formulate our own strategic and operational plans.

The President's remarks serve as a clear signal of intent, aiming to ensure that the transition of SPO proceeds smoothly and within his term. He directly questioned Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek about the progress of developing independent military operational capabilities, receiving assurances that progress is being made through quarterly reviews and continuous research and development. Minister Ahn also confirmed the possession of strategic systems and intangible assets that support the recovery of SPO, aiming to reassure the public about national security readiness.

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We have submitted a roadmap to the Department of Defense for achieving the conditions for the transfer of wartime operational control by the second quarter of fiscal year 2029.

This push for SPO regainment is framed within a broader context of strengthening national defense capabilities. President Lee highlighted South Korea's significant military strength, ranking fifth globally when excluding US forces, and pointed to the substantial defense budget, which far exceeds North Korea's GDP. He aims to instill confidence in the public, countering any perceived anxieties about self-defense. While US military officials, like Gen. Paul LaCamera, have outlined a roadmap for a conditions-based SPO transfer potentially in 2029, President Lee's firm 2028 target signals South Korea's proactive stance and determination to accelerate the process, emphasizing its readiness to assume full operational command.

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Our Republic of Korea possesses the world's fifth-largest military power, excluding the US forces stationed here.