South Korea learned of U.S. drill cuts via social media, won't affect operational control recovery

South Korea's presidential office learned of U.S. President Donald Trump's directive to scale back joint military drills through his social media posts, a move that has caused some confusion among U.S. officials as well. However, the office stated that this reduction will not impede Seoul's plan to regain wartime operational control from the U.S. military.

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Our wartime operational control recovery will not be affected.

"The government's position is that the drill reduction should not be an obstacle or cause delays to the policy direction and schedule for operational control recovery," said Sung Il-gi, senior presidential secretary for public communication. He noted that Trump's message was first seen on his Truth Social platform, with many U.S. officials reportedly only becoming aware of the president's intentions upon seeing the post. Sung described it as a characteristic style of President Trump.

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The government's position is that the drill reduction should not be an obstacle or cause delays to the policy direction and schedule for operational control recovery.

On inter-Korean relations, the presidential office expressed hope that the friendly relationship between the leaders of North Korea and the U.S. could lead to improved relations between the two countries. "We expect that the friendly relationship between the leaders will lead to improvements between North Korea and the U.S.," Sung said, adding that the South Korean government would maintain close communication with the U.S. and fulfill its role.

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We learned about President Trump's message to reduce drills through Truth Social... there are reports that many U.S. officials also only recognized the president's intentions after seeing that post.

The office also addressed domestic controversies, including plans for the Yongsan Park development in Seoul. Sung clarified that the intention is not to transform the entire 910,000-pyeong park into a forest of apartments. Instead, the proposal involves supplying some housing in limited areas by utilizing partially damaged or leftover land, offering a housing ladder for young people. He further explained that the Yongsan Children's Garden site, which occupies about one-tenth of the park, was an area with significant soil contamination issues during the U.S. military's presence. Developing this land by excavation would facilitate housing supply and the removal of contaminants more easily than allowing citizens to use it for recreation.

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We expect that the friendly relationship between the leaders will lead to improvements between North Korea and the U.S.