Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday urged officials to expedite South Korea's plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, emphasizing the need to strengthen the nation's self-defense amid escalating nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during a Cabinet meeting, President Lee highlighted the importance of advancing both artificial intelligence and drone technologies alongside the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines, which he described as crucial strategic assets for future defense capabilities.
While presiding over a defense strategy committee meeting in South Gyeongsang Province, President Lee referred to the nuclear-powered submarines as a testament to South Korea's commitment to self-reliantly ensuring peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back detailed the timeline for this initiative, with plans to launch the first batch of these submarines in the mid-2030s and to operationalize them by the late 2030s or later.
In addition to the submarine acquisition, President Lee underscored the urgency of transferring wartime operational control (OPCON) of South Korean troops from the United States to Seoul. He argued that such a move would earn respect from allies and strengthen alliances, calling for the transfer to be completed swiftly. This transfer is a central policy goal for Lee, who aims to achieve it within his term, ending in 2030.
South Korea initially relinquished operational control of its troops to the U.S.-led U.N. Command during the Korean War and later to the Combined Forces Command of South Korea and the United States in 1978. It regained peacetime control in 1994.
President Lee also called for transforming the military into a "powerful, future-oriented and cutting-edge" force, emphasizing the need to enhance defense capabilities in response to the "harsh reality" of global power dynamics. He highlighted the necessity of bolstering South Korea's "K-defense" industry and fostering new defense enterprises to lead in robotics, drones, and space sectors, while reinforcing multilateral diplomacy.
Addressing other matters, President Lee urged the government to pursue the establishment of a global maritime hub in the southeastern region of the country, citing its significant geopolitical value amidst rising regional maritime competition. The oceans ministry aims to develop Busan and its vicinity into a global maritime hub by expanding Arctic shipping routes, relocating several shipping firms, and enhancing port infrastructure.
President Lee also advocated for the efficient management of the "public growth fund," a government-led investment initiative aimed at raising 150 trillion won (approximately US$99.5 billion) over five years. This fund seeks to support advanced industries, including semiconductors, defense manufacturing, and biotechnology, to mitigate the widening wealth and income gaps in the country's evolving economic landscape.