SEOUL — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for a significant boost in the nation's independent defense capabilities, emphasizing strategic autonomy following U.S. President Donald Trump's directive to substantially reduce joint military exercises.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting in Seoul, President Lee stressed that a robust alliance with the United States and self-reliant defense are mutually reinforcing. His remarks come in the wake of Washington's sudden decision to scale down the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, a move driven by shifting U.S. regional postures and renewed diplomatic overtures toward North Korea.
Push for Military Independence and Strategic Assets
President Lee insisted that Seoul must proceed without disruption on its pre-existing roadmap to transfer wartime operational control (Opcon) from the United States during his presidential term. Currently, wartime command over South Korean forces rests with the U.S.-led Combined Forces Command, a structure rooted in the 1953 armistice.
"A strong alliance makes the foundation of security stronger, and strengthening our own capabilities increases our value and necessity as an ally," President Lee stated.
In addition to the command transfer, Lee urged accelerated progress on domestic strategic defense programs, including the development of nuclear-powered submarines, and called for modernizing military infrastructure to manage complex multi-domain operations.
Drills Remained Strictly Defensive
Addressing the National Security Council regarding the ongoing civil-defense and joint military exercises, Lee maintained that the drills are entirely defensive in character. He noted that Seoul has no intention of utilizing the maneuvers to provoke or threaten North Korea, framing the exercises as measures aimed solely at safeguarding citizens' safety and daily lives.
While South Korean officials review the adjustments ordered by Washington, Seoul continues to balance its commitment to the bilateral alliance with a firm push toward long-term military self-reliance.
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