Defense chiefs of Korea, U.S. discuss 'areas of mutual security interest' amid differences in priorities

The defense chiefs of Korea and the United States agreed to further cooperate on “areas of mutual security interest” for both countries, including the transfer of wartime operational control (Opcon) and the modernization of the alliance.

“Both the secretary and the minister agreed to remain in close contact and further cooperation in areas of mutual security interest,” read a joint statement released by the Pentagon, referring to a meeting between Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington on Monday.

The meeting took place about six months after the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) held in Korea in November 2025.

“The two leaders discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and reaffirmed the important role of the Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue [KIDD], which will be held this week in Washington, to advance Alliance cooperation and both countries’ national interests,” the statement continued. 

The biennial KIDD meeting is scheduled to take place in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“The two leaders also discussed key alliance issues, including [the Opcon] transition and alliance modernization, and resolved to strengthen cooperation moving forward,” said the Pentagon.

During the roughly hourlong talks, Ahn explained Korea’s recent efforts to increase defense spending, secure key military capabilities and take the lead in defending the Korean Peninsula. Hegseth emphasized the importance of adopting a realistic and practical approach to deter threats and strengthen the combined Korea-U.S. defense posture while modernizing the alliance.

Toward Korea-led defense

Ahn emphasized Korea’s aim to lead its defense efforts.

“This meeting is a valuable opportunity to assess the joint statement issued by our leaders last year and the achievements of the 57th SCM and to communicate about the future direction of the alliance,” Ahn said in his opening remarks. “The Korea-U.S. alliance has stood together on an unwavering foundation of trust even during difficult times, and we will continue to cooperate closely with one voice.”

Ahn particularly praised Hegseth: “Secretary Hegseth has strengthened the United States military — the world’s strongest military — under the banner of ‘peace through strength’ since taking office.”

“We are also doing our utmost to realize Korea-led defense of the Korean Peninsula by increasing defense spending and securing key national defense capabilities in step with these efforts,” the minister added.

Hegseth stresses 'combined defense posture’

Hegseth emphasized the critical timing for the Korea-U.S. alliance.

“The [United States] is looking to [...] Korea — and all partners and allies — to stand shoulder to shoulder with this country during times of conflict,” he said, according to a separate news post by the Pentagon.

Hegseth pressed on the importance of “modernizing the Alliance while adopting a clear-eyed and pragmatic approach to deter threats and enhance the combined U.S.-ROK defense posture.” The ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, which is Korea’s official name.

Evaluating Korea’s increased defense spending and its willingness to assume greater responsibility for security on the Korean Peninsula, Hegseth argued that true burden-sharing is the foundation of a resilient alliance and essential to effectively deterring common adversaries.

Regarding Korea’s willingness to share more of the defense burden, the Pentagon said in a press release after the meeting that increased burden-sharing by allies and partner countries is one of the four key priorities of the 2026 National Defense Strategy, alongside defending the U.S. homeland, deterring China through strength in the Indo-Pacific region and strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base.

Taken together, the ministers’ remarks and the joint statement suggest that Ahn highlighted the “Korea-led defense of the Korean Peninsula” and sought to emphasize the Opcon transfer during the talks.

Hegseth, meanwhile, appeared to focus on discussions of “alliance modernization” while stressing a “combined defense posture” amid the global threat environment as he oversees the war with Iran.

Possibility of coordination over Opcon transfer timing

Observers believe the two sides may have attempted to coordinate differences over the timing of the Opcon transfer during Monday’s meeting.

At the 57th SCM, Korea and the United States agreed to pursue verification of Phase 2 full operational capability within this year based on the Conditions-based Opcon Transition Plan. However, discussions on the specific timing of the Phase 3 full mission capability assessment and verification, as well as the final transfer, were deferred to later talks.

The Lee Jae Myung administration is reportedly pursuing a plan to set 2028 as the target year for the Opcon transfer. However, Gen. Xavier Brunson, the commander of U.S. Forces Korea, mentioned the first quarter of 2029 as the target timing during a U.S. congressional hearing last month, revealing a gap in perceptions between the two countries.

U.S. may press Korea on Hormuz contribution

Hegseth may also have pressed Korea during the talks to contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz while focusing on the agenda of “alliance modernization.”

Following reports that a fire aboard the Korean bulk carrier HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz was caused by a strike from an unidentified flying object, analysts said the Pentagon may have requested tangible Korean contributions, such as participation in the U.S.-led Maritime Freedom Construct.

The two sides were also expected to discuss follow-up measures related to cooperation on nuclear-propelled submarines, which were included in a joint fact sheet issued after the summit between Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump last October.

Following the meeting with Hegseth, Ahn plans to meet key figures in Congress, including the chair and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services and the chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, to request legislative support for Korea’s introduction of nuclear-propelled submarines. The sides are also expected to discuss defense industry cooperation measures, such as maintenance, repair and overhaul for shipbuilding, in depth.

Those attending the meeting on the Korean side included Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha, Defense Attaché Yoon Hyeong-jin, a brigadier general, Defense Ministry Policy Office Director Kim Hong-chul, spokesperson Jeong Bit-na and Director-General for International Policy Lee Kwang-seok.

The U.S. side included Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby, Assistant Secretary of War for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh, Hegseth’s top aide Ricky Buria and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Christopher Mahoney.

In addition to his meeting with Hegseth, Ahn is scheduled to meet the acting secretary of the Navy and other U.S. officials before returning to Korea on Thursday.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.

BY KIM HYOUNG-GU [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]