President Lee Jae Myung vows to regain wartime operational control from the U.S.
President Lee Jae Myung reiterated his aim to restore South Korea's wartime operational command from the United States, saying the move is vital for national sovereignty.
Speaking at the presidential office in Seoul, Lee Jae Myung asserted that reclaiming wartime operational control is a priority and that South Korea possesses the capability to do so. He noted that talks with the United States are moving forward, despite differing views expressed by U.S. Forces Korea commander Xavier Brunson. Lee emphasized that Korea must evaluate its own defence readiness as part of the handover process.
Why it matters
The decision could reshape the U.S.-South Korea defence partnership and affect regional security dynamics.
How this story developed
- Oct 8 Seoul pulls its ambassador from Kyiv over disputed North Korean POW transfer
- Oct 12 North Korea fired several ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Monday, with the Joint Chiefs of Staff reporting a flight distance of over 900 km.
- Oct 12 The missile launch occurred shortly after Seoul’s hypersonic glide‑vehicle test.
- Oct 13 North Korea announced a successful test of a tactical ballistic missile citing a technical component upgrade.
- Oct 13 South Korea’s ambassador returned to Seoul, confirming the recall.
- Oct 13 Defector Choi Min-kyeong secured a court award of 50 million won against Kim Jong-un for torture and sexual violence she endured in North Korea.
- Oct 18 Seoul announced that its aid to Kyiv will continue despite the ongoing diplomatic dispute.
- Oct 18 New reporting reveals large numbers of North Korean laborers at Russia’s Alabuga drone plant.
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