THERUNDWN_ World

the Guardian

World

South Korea Seeks Military Command Shift After US Drills Reduction

The South Korean president has renewed calls for independent wartime military control following a US decision to scale back joint exercises.

Added 8/18/2026

Senior leaders pose for a group photo during the Military Committee Meeting at the Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Nov. 3, 2025. (From Left: ROK Army Lt. Gen. Kwon Dae-won, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo, Commander, Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ROK Air Force Gen. Jin Yong Sung, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Army Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, Comm
Carrie Castillo, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic domainWikimedia Commons

South Korea's president has revived efforts to secure full wartime operational control of the military and pressed for faster development of nuclear-powered submarines. This move comes after Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to significantly decrease joint military training, pointing to friendly relations with Kim Jong-un and describing North Korea as respectful.

During a cabinet meeting, Lee Jae Myung stated that the transition of wartime operational control to Seoul should continue without delay during his presidency. As reported by the Guardian, the leader emphasized that building national defense capabilities simultaneously reinforces the security partnership with the United States.

Ultimately, the South Korean leader maintained that enhancing domestic military strength directly increases the country's value and importance as a security partner.

Share this story

Keep reading

All stories

What's next

Go back to feed

Were you satisfied with this article?

Original reporting at the Guardian

STAY IN THE LOOP

Join the Rundwn.