U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and South Korean Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back met at the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. on Monday. The two leaders agreed to maintain close communication and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual security interests.
The Ministry of National Defense released this information in a joint press statement following the bilateral meeting, which reportedly lasted about an hour.
According to the statement, the two defense chiefs discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and reaffirmed the importance of the upcoming Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) in Washington this week for strengthening alliance cooperation and promoting both nations’ interests.
Secretary Hegseth emphasized the importance of adopting a realistic and practical approach to deterring threats while modernizing the alliance and enhancing the U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) combined defense posture.
Notably, both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual security interests while maintaining close communication.
Minister Ahn detailed South Korea’s recent efforts to increase defense spending, secure key military capabilities, and lead the defense of the Korean Peninsula.
The two officials also discussed major alliance issues, including the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) and alliance modernization, agreeing to strengthen future cooperation.
The meeting was expected to cover topics such as OPCON transfer and South Korea’s pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines.
Regarding OPCON transfer, South Korea aims to complete this by the end of 2028, while the U.S. has proposed the first quarter of 2028 (second quarter of the U.S. fiscal year) as the target date.
The nuclear submarine issue stems from a joint agreement between President Lee Jae Myung and President Donald Trump last November. Despite forming a government-wide consultative body in January, the U.S. appears to be approaching the matter cautiously, considering investment delays and opposition from some Democratic lawmakers to South Korea’s acquisition of nuclear submarines.
There was also interest in whether discussions would address the recent attack on the South Korean vessel HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as reports of the U.S. limiting some North Korea-related intelligence shared with South Korea.
The joint statement specifically mentioned the OPCON transfer.
However, phrases like maintaining close communication, enhancing cooperation in mutual security interests, and modernizing the alliance encompass these specific issues.
In his opening remarks, Minister Ahn described the meeting as a valuable opportunity to assess the achievements of last year’s joint statement and the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), as well as to discuss the alliance’s future direction.
Minister Ahn commended Secretary Hegseth for strengthening America’s military power under the banner of peace through strength. He added that South Korea is also making its best efforts to secure key defense capabilities and take the lead in defending the Korean Peninsula by increasing its defense budget.
Secretary Hegseth stated that the meeting was occurring at a critical moment for the U.S.-ROK alliance, noting that both countries are taking strong measures to ensure their combined readiness and defend essential national security interests.
Hegseth emphasized the importance of the alliance’s strength in the current global threat environment, stating that the U.S. expects its partners to stand shoulder to shoulder. He praised South Korea’s commitment to increase defense spending and assume primary responsibility, calling it a model of burden-sharing for all U.S. partners.
Hegseth stressed that true burden-sharing forms the foundation of a resilient alliance and is essential for effectively deterring regional adversaries.
The opening remarks proceeded with Secretary Hegseth followed by Minister Ahn.
The Pentagon released a statement highlighting that expanding burden-sharing with allies and partners is one of four core efforts in the 2022 National Defense Strategy, alongside defending the U.S. homeland, deterring aggression in the Indo-Pacific, and strengthening the defense industrial base.
The meeting preceded the KIDD scheduled for later in the week in Washington, D.C. KIDD is a regular consultative body for deputy minister-level officials from both countries, last held in September in Seoul, aimed at enhancing alliance cooperation and promoting mutual national interests.
The South Korean delegation included Minister Ahn, Ambassador to the U.S. Kang Kyung-hwa, Defense Attaché Maj. Gen. Yoon Hyung-jin, Director General for International Policy Kim Hong-chol, and MND Spokesperson Jung Bit-na.
The U.S. side included Secretary Hegseth, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Elbridge Colby, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Christopher Mahoney, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Dr. John Noh, and Chief of Staff Ricky Buria.