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South Korea to keep transferring wartime control from U.S.

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Lee Jae Myung announced South Korea will continue transferring wartime operational control from the United States during his term.
He called for faster progress on the nuclear-powered submarine programme and for training officers for integrated future conflicts.
U.S. President Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, noting that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had responded to his outreach.

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Story summary

President Lee Jae Myung announced South Korea will continue transferring wartime operational control from the United States during his term.
He called for faster progress on the nuclear-powered submarine programme and for training officers for integrated future conflicts.
U.S. President Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, noting that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had responded to his outreach.