Korean and U.S. Defense Chiefs Discuss OPCON Transfer and Alliance Modernization, Cooperation on Hormuz Also Raised

U.S. Presses for Korea’s Participation in Operations Against Iran

Government Stresses Increased Defense Spending and Korea-Led Defense

On May 11 (local time), U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Korean Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyubaek held talks in Washington, D.C., where they discussed the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) and ways to modernize the alliance. During the discussions, the United States indirectly pressured South Korea to contribute to the resumption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and to increase its share of defense costs, leading to assessments that future security negotiations between South Korea and the U.S. have entered a critical phase.

Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense (right), and Ahn Kyu-baek, Minister of National Defense of Korea. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Following their meeting at the nearby U.S. Department of Defense headquarters, Secretary Hegseth and Minister Ahn issued a joint statement, saying, "We discussed major alliance issues such as OPCON transfer and alliance modernization, and agreed to strengthen cooperation going forward." This marks the first meeting between the two defense ministers in about six months since the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) held in Seoul in November last year.

This meeting was particularly noteworthy as it took place at a time when the Lee Jaemyung administration is pursuing the transfer of wartime operational control during its term, while the U.S. is calling for an expanded role from its allies. The Korean government is considering transferring OPCON around 2028, but Xavier Brunson, Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, recently stated in a U.S. congressional hearing that the target timeframe is the first quarter of 2029, highlighting a difference in perception between the two sides.

The U.S. side emphasized the need to expand the role of the alliance during the talks. In his opening remarks, Secretary Hegseth referenced the anti-Iran military operation "Epic Fury," noting, "The strength of our alliance is important, and I expect our partners to stand shoulder to shoulder with the United States." This was interpreted as an indirect request for South Korea to play a role in the international efforts to resume navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

In fact, the Trump Administration has recently asked allied countries, including South Korea, to contribute to securing safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which is facing a blockade crisis due to recent clashes with Iran.

Secretary Hegseth also highly praised South Korea's increased defense spending and its expanded leading role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula. After the meeting, the U.S. Department of Defense stated in a press release that expanding defense burden sharing among allies and partner countries is one of the core tasks in the 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS).

In response, Minister Ahn reportedly stated that, in line with the policy direction of the second Trump Administration, South Korea is working to secure core defense capabilities and realize Korean-led defense of the Korean Peninsula through increased defense spending, among other efforts.

In addition to OPCON transfer, sensitive issues such as cooperation on building nuclear-powered submarines and the U.S. restricting intelligence sharing on North Korea were also reportedly discussed at the meeting. In particular, despite the agreement reached by the leaders of both countries last year on cooperation for nuclear-powered submarines, follow-up discussions have not progressed quickly amid recent disputes over key bilateral issues.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.