Seoul: The defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States are poised to engage in their annual security talks in Seoul this week to address pivotal alliance issues. The discussions come at a time when both nations are seeking to modernize their long-standing alliance in response to evolving global security challenges.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea’s Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will co-chair the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) at the defense ministry in Seoul on Tuesday. This marks their inaugural co-chairing of the event since assuming their respective roles earlier this year.
Key topics on the agenda include the strategic flexibility of U.S. forces stationed in South Korea and Seoul’s initiative to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington. Additionally, the discussions are anticipated to cover South Korea’s aspirations to acquire a nuclear-powered submarine, following President Lee Jae Myung’s talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.
South Korea is committed to reclaiming OPCON within President Lee Jae Myung’s term, which concludes in 2030. U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth has endorsed this initiative, acknowledging South Korea as a “combat credible” ally and emphasizing the importance of allies assuming greater security responsibilities.
In a recent summit in Gyeongju, President Lee urged President Trump to authorize South Korea to secure nuclear fuel supplies for conventionally armed submarines, a move aimed at alleviating the operational burden on U.S. forces. President Trump subsequently announced, via social media, that approval has been granted for South Korea to construct a nuclear-powered submarine at a Philadelphia shipyard operated by South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean.
The meeting occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, as North Korea strengthens its military ties with Russia and advances its nuclear and missile capabilities. The North’s recent unveiling of the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile during a military parade has further intensified security concerns.
South Korea’s defense ministry has highlighted policy coordination on North Korea, combined defense posture, and extended deterrence as critical topics for this year’s bilateral talks. The U.S. Department of War has confirmed Secretary Hegseth’s participation in the SCM, where he is expected to commend Seoul’s commitment to increased defense spending and greater responsibilities within the alliance.
Secretary Hegseth’s visit to South Korea marks the final stop of his Asia tour, which included visits to Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Upon his arrival, he will join Minister Ahn in visiting the Joint Security Area (JSA), marking the first joint visit by the defense chiefs in eight years.