Kuala Lumpur, Oct 29: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has expressed strong support for South Korea’s initiative to retake wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States, describing it as a “great” move that reflects Seoul’s growing defence capabilities and leadership.
Speaking to reporters aboard a flight to Malaysia, Hegseth responded to a question from Yonhap News Agency regarding South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s plan to complete the OPCON transfer within his term, ending in 2030. “I think it’s great. More capabilities for our allies—the better. We’ve been strong allies for decades, and that hasn’t changed,” Hegseth said.
The Defence Secretary commended Seoul’s increased defence spending and readiness amid persistent threats from North Korea. “South Korea lives next to a real-time and persistent threat. Their willingness to step up is critically important,” he added, calling South Korea a “combat credible” partner capable of taking greater responsibility for its own security.
Hegseth emphasized that the US continues to support Seoul but believes allies should assume larger roles in regional defence. “It’s common sense. Why would you want a relationship that requires only US leadership when you have a strong, motivated nation capable of leading?” he remarked.
The OPCON transfer issue will feature prominently in the upcoming Security Consultative Meeting between Hegseth and South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul next week.
Hegseth also dismissed reports suggesting that the Pentagon’s upcoming National Defence Strategy might exclude South Korea and Taiwan from its defence perimeter, calling them inaccurate. He clarified that the US is not pursuing a NATO-like multilateral alliance in the Indo-Pacific but prefers bilateral and trilateral partnerships.
Hegseth’s Asia tour includes visits to Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Korea, underscoring Washington’s continued engagement in regional security.
