South Korean President Lee Jae Myung Pushes for Wartime Operational Control and Nuclear Submarines

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed on Tuesday his goal to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States within his term. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Lee stated that the transfer of OPCON should be completed by 2030 in accordance with original government plans. He emphasized that a strong alliance with the United States and self reliant defense capabilities are mutually necessary conditions for national security.

President Lee also directed officials to accelerate the procurement of nuclear powered submarines. This project follows a summit in Gyeongju last October where U.S. President Donald Trump approved South Korea's plan to build nuclear powered attack submarines. While South Korea aims to launch its first domestically built nuclear submarine in the mid 2030s, it still requires Washington's consent to enrich uranium under the bilateral 123 Agreement.

These declarations follow a decision by President Trump to substantially reduce U.S. participation in joint military exercises with South Korea. Trump justified the reduction by citing his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong un and arguing that such exercises send a hostile signal to Pyongyang. He also noted that South Korea had not assisted the U.S. in the denuclearization of Iran.

In addition to the OPCON and submarine initiatives, President Lee urged the military to proceed with the establishment of a National Military Academy. This would merge the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies to train leaders with integrated operational capabilities for future warfare.

Center leaning coverage frames the OPCON transfer as a matter of national sovereignty and notes that the move comes as a response to Trump's reduction of joint exercises. Center right leaning coverage frames the event as a reaffirmation of military readiness and a strategic effort to increase South Korea's value as an ally.