Lee calls for swift return of wartime operational control to restore military sovereignty

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday marked the 78th Armed Forces Day by calling the return of wartime operational control the cornerstone of an independent national defense, and pledging to restore South Korea's military sovereignty as swiftly as possible.

Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Kim Seong-wan said in a written briefing that Lee hosted an appreciation luncheon with attendees immediately after presiding over the 78th Armed Forces Day ceremony at Gyeryongdae in South Chungcheong Province.

The luncheon brought together 407 people, including senior government and National Assembly officials, military commanders, active-duty troops and civilian defense employees, Korean War veterans, military elders, recipients of state merit, and personnel from US Forces Korea.

Defense Minister Kang Shin-cheol, speaking on behalf of the military, said "another name for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces is victory," and expressed deep gratitude to the president for presiding over the ceremony, conveying the sentiments of all service members. Echoing Lee's commemorative address, Kang said the president's words were "a promise to the people and an order to our military," and pledged that the armed forces would earn the public's love and trust.

Lee praised the troops for their dedication, saying Thursday's ceremony had demonstrated "the capable and bright future of an irreplaceable Republic of Korea military." He added that this year's event was held in conjunction with the Army's Ground Forces Festival and the Gyeryong city military culture festival, and said linking future Armed Forces Day events with each branch's signature activities or local festivals would create valuable opportunities for the military and the public to connect and communicate.

Lee particularly stressed the need to establish military sovereignty as the foundation of peace. "Building peace requires strong deterrence and defense capabilities," he said. "We must normalize military sovereignty — one of the core elements of an independent national defense."

He reiterated his commitment to an early transfer of wartime operational control. "There is no country in the world that relies on another nation for its military command authority," Lee said. "We will swiftly reclaim wartime operational control and restore our standing as a democratic republic." He also called on the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps to unite as one and carry out defense reforms thoroughly and swiftly against any threat.

The luncheon was held in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. The menu featured cold chicken breast salad with organic vegetables, gochujang-marinated grilled flounder with savory pancakes, abalone galbi-tang with fresh vegetables, fruit, rice cakes, traditional Korean confections and cinnamon punch. Lee exchanged views with attendees on building an independent national defense and spent time in open conversation with the troops.