U.S. and South Korea Defense Ministers Discuss Key Security Issues

South Korea's Defense Minister An Kyung-bak met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on May 11 at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., to discuss key issues including the transition of wartime operational control.

This meeting marked the first time the two defense ministers have convened since their discussions during the 57th U.S.-South Korea Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul on November 4, 2025.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, the ministers discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, including the transition of wartime operational control, and reaffirmed the significant role of the Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) in enhancing alliance cooperation and national interests. The 28th KIDD meeting is scheduled for May 12-13, 2026.

KIDD is a high-level regular meeting held twice a year since 2011, with the upcoming meeting featuring senior representatives, including Kim Hong-cheol, Director of Defense Policy, and John No, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. Key topics for discussion will include the transition of wartime operational control and the introduction of South Korea's nuclear-powered submarines.

During the meeting, Minister An explained South Korea's recent efforts to lead defense on the Korean Peninsula through increased defense spending and securing core military capabilities, while discussing ways to strengthen future cooperation.

Attendees from the U.S. side included Elbridge Colby, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development; John No; Ricky Buria, Chief of Staff; and Christopher Mahoney, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. South Korea's delegation included Ambassador to the U.S. Kang Kyung-wha, Brigadier General Yoon Hyung-jin, Defense Attaché to the U.S., Kim Hong-cheol, Spokesperson Jeong Bit-na, and International Policy Director Lee Kwang-seok.

The transition of wartime operational control was a central agenda item for this meeting. The Yoon Suk-yeol administration is considering 2028 as a target for the transition before the current U.S. administration ends its term. U.S. Forces Korea Commander Javier Brunson recently mentioned a goal of transitioning in the first quarter of 2029 during a congressional hearing.

Additionally, sensitive issues such as cooperation on the construction of nuclear-powered submarines and contributions to the resumption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz were likely discussed. The agreement on nuclear-powered submarine construction cooperation, reached by the leaders of the two countries last year, has not progressed as expected.

The recent fire on the South Korean cargo ship HMM Namwoo in the Strait of Hormuz has been confirmed as an external attack by an unidentified aerial vehicle, which likely prompted discussions on this matter as well.

The South Korean government condemned the attack on the Namwoo on May 11, stating, "We will continue to participate in international efforts to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation for all vessels, including those from South Korea." President Donald Trump has continued to urge contributions from various countries, including South Korea, for the resumption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

In his opening remarks, Minister An praised Secretary Hegseth for strengthening the U.S. military under the banner of peace through strength since his appointment, stating, "I commend the efforts to restore the fighting spirit of the U.S. military, making it an even stronger force in the world."

He added, "We are also making our best efforts to secure core defense capabilities through increased defense spending to realize a South Korean-led defense of the Korean Peninsula."

Secretary Hegseth, in his opening remarks, referred to the U.S. military operations against Iran as 'Epic Fury' and emphasized the importance of the strength of the alliance, urging partners to stand shoulder to shoulder with the U.S. He noted that South Korea's commitment to increasing defense spending and taking a leading role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula is "very important" and highlighted the necessity of burden sharing among all U.S. partners to build a resilient alliance and effectively deter regional adversaries.

Later that afternoon, Minister An visited Arlington National Cemetery to pay his respects to the noble sacrifices of veterans who dedicated their lives to freedom and peace.