South Korea pushes for wartime control and subs boost as Trump trims drills
South Korea's president renewed calls to regain wartime operational control of its forces from the United States and to accelerate a nuclear-powered submarine program, arguing that independent defense strengthens the alliance even after Donald Trump ordered substantial cuts to joint Ulchi Freedom Shield drills. The push to transfer Opcon—held by the US since the Korean War—has long been a core sovereignty goal, with Seoul managing peacetime control since 1994. The curtailed drills, originally set to involve about 18,000 South Korean troops with US and UNC personnel, aimed to certify readiness for the handover. Trump praised Kim Jong-un during questioning, while officials say the exercises are not intended to escalate tensions. North Korea’s growing ties with Russia and its battlefield experiences are cited as factors shaping regional training.