President Lee Jae-myung has unveiled a bold foreign policy shift, declaring that South Korea will pursue a more independent diplomatic stance and reduce its heavy dependence on the US military. In a recent broadcast, Lee emphasized the need for the country to act as a sovereign nation and announced plans to accelerate the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States.
"We must conduct dignified diplomacy befitting a sovereign state," Lee stated. "It is time to move away from excessive reliance on US forces and take charge of our own defense."
The president's remarks come amid growing calls for greater military autonomy and a reassessment of the bilateral alliance. The proposed OPCON transfer has been a long-debated issue, with proponents arguing it would bolster national pride and strategic independence.
Analysts suggest that the move could reshape the security landscape on the Korean Peninsula, potentially impacting regional dynamics. Critics, however, warn of risks associated with a rapid transition.
Lee's administration is expected to outline a detailed roadmap for the OPCON transfer in the coming weeks, as part of a broader effort to redefine South Korea's role in international affairs.