South Korea-US Summit Holds First Official Talks on Wartime Operational Control Transfer

President Lee Jae-myung and US President Donald Trump officially discussed the transfer of wartime operational control (the handover of command of South Korean forces from the US military to South Korea in the event of war) for the first time at the leaders' level during their summit in New York on Monday (local time). During the talks, President Lee conveyed his wish to conclude the transfer of operational control as soon as possible once conditions are met, reaffirmed his commitment to increasing defense cost contributions and expanding responsibility for the defense of the Korean Peninsula, and mentioned accelerating discussions on nuclear-powered submarines.

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-rac told a briefing in New York that day, "The two leaders welcomed the significant progress made in discussions on strategic investment projects between the two countries." Wi added, "Based on the joint fact sheet announced by the South Korean and US leaders last November, the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation and pursue follow-up consultations in areas including nuclear-powered submarine fuel, enrichment and reprocessing, shipbuilding cooperation, and the transfer of wartime operational control."

On North Korea, President Lee responded warmly when President Trump described his 'good relationship' with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Trump reaffirmed his willingness to engage in dialogue with North Korea, and the two leaders agreed to maintain close communication to help establish sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The issue of deploying troops to the Strait of Hormuz was not raised at the summit. Wi said President Lee noted that the US-China summit scheduled for Wednesday would be important for regional dynamics, including South Korea-China relations, and wished for its success.