Ahn Kyubaek: "Realizing Korean-Led Defense of the Korean Peninsula"

South Korea-US Defense Ministers Hold Talks at the Pentagon
Hegseth: "South Korea Is an Exemplary Model for Defense Cost-Sharing"
Discussion on OPCON Transfer and Hormuz Issues

Ahn Kyu-baek, Minister of National Defense, met with Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Army (Department of Defense) of the United States, to discuss alliance issues including the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON). The meeting also served to coordinate major security issues between South Korea and the United States, such as cooperation on nuclear-powered submarines and restrictions on sharing intelligence on North Korea.

Minister Ahn held a meeting with Secretary Hegseth for about one hour at the Pentagon in the United States on the 11th (local time). The two ministers met again for the first time in about six months since their talks at the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) held in South Korea in November last year.

Secretary Hegseth said, "The United States expects all partners and allies, including South Korea, to stand shoulder to shoulder with the United States in times of conflict." He also noted, "South Korea's decision to increase its defense budget and take on a more proactive role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula is an exemplary case of allied cost-sharing."

Minister Ahn responded, "Since Secretary Hegseth took office, I highly appreciate the restoration of the U.S. military's warrior spirit under the banner of peace through strength, which has made the U.S. military even stronger," adding, "South Korea is also realizing Korean-led defense of the Korean Peninsula through increased defense spending and the acquisition of core military capabilities."

The meeting reportedly covered topics such as the transfer of OPCON, cooperation on nuclear-powered submarines, and the United States' restrictions on sharing intelligence on North Korea. An official from the Ministry of National Defense said, "These were likely discussed as major topics." In addition, there is speculation that sensitive issues such as South Korea's potential contribution to the resumption of maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz at the request of the United States were also addressed.