South Korea president calls for military independence in wake of Trump call to cut joint drills
Summary
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for faster progress in gaining full wartime control of South Korean forces from the US and in developing nuclear-powered submarines. This follows President Donald Trump’s order to significantly reduce joint military drills between South Korea and the US, citing improved relations with North Korea.Key Facts
- President Trump instructed the Pentagon to cut joint military exercises with South Korea this week.
- Trump said North Korea has been “unthreatening and respectful” and praised his relationship with Kim Jong-un.
- South Korea wants to regain wartime operational control (Opcon) from the US, a goal delayed for decades.
- The US has led wartime command of South Korean forces since the Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice, not a peace treaty.
- South Korea took back peacetime control of its military in 1994 but not wartime control.
- This week’s drills, called Ulchi Freedom Shield, were planned to certify South Korea’s readiness to take over wartime control.
- President Lee emphasized that strengthening South Korea’s military also strengthens the US-South Korea alliance.
- Trump has previously paused or reduced joint US-South Korea exercises during talks with North Korea.
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