ROK Defense Minister and US Secretary of War hold talks at the United States Department of War.

Ahn Gyu-back: “Realize Korean-led defense of the Korean Peninsula.”

Agree to maintain close communication and advance shared security interests.

Also discuss cooperation on a nuclear-powered submarine program.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, second from left, and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, second from right, attend a Republic of Korea-United States defense ministerial meeting at the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., on May 11, local time.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth pledged their commitment to security cooperation during their meeting in the United States on May 11 (local time). The two ministers held a one-hour meeting at the Pentagon, near Washington, D.C., where they discussed major outstanding issues, including the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) and the modernization of the Alliance. The ROK-US defense ministerial meeting took place approximately six months after the 57th ROK-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) held in Seoul in November last year.

The joint press communique stated, “The two ministers pledged to enhance security cooperation in the areas of mutual security interests while maintaining close communication.” It further noted that they reaffirmed that the Korea‑US Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD), to be held in Washington, D.C., this week, plays an important role in advancing Alliance cooperation and the national interests of both countries.

Minister Ahn highlighted Korea’s recent efforts, including increased defense spending, the acquisition of core military capabilities, and the realization of Korean-led defense on the Korean Peninsula. Secretary Hegseth emphasized the importance of adopting a realistic and practical approach to modernizing the Alliance, deterring threats, and strengthening the ROK-US combined defense posture.

In his remarks at the beginning of the meeting, Minister Ahn said, “I applaud Secretary Hegseth for developing the United States, the world's most powerful nation, into an even stronger military under the banner of 'peace through strength' since he took office. We are also keeping pace, putting our utmost efforts into achieving a ROK-led defense of the Korean Peninsula by acquiring core national defense capabilities through measures such as increasing defense spending.”

He added, “This meeting is a meaningful opportunity to assess the achievements of the joint statement between the two leaders last year and the 57th SCM, and to exchange views on the direction the Alliance should take going forward. As the ROK-US Alliance has stood together upon a bedrock of unwavering trust even through difficult times, we will continue to work closely together, speaking with one voice.”

Secretary Hegseth noted in his opening remarks, “Our meeting today arrives at a pivotal moment for the ROK-US Alliance,” stressing, “The two countries are taking strong actions to solidify their combined readiness posture and to defend vital national security interests.” He added, "In the current global threat environment, the resilience of our alliance is critical, and we look to our partners to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us.”

Minister Ahn Gyu-back pays tribute at Arlington National Cemetery on May 11 (local time).

Secretary Hegseth added that South Korea's commitment to increasing defense spending and taking a leading role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula is “very important,” noting, “This demonstrates alliance burden sharing, and by all of America's partners genuinely practicing burden sharing, they build the foundation of a resilient alliance and show what is essential for effectively deterring regional adversaries.”

This visit to the United States is Minister Ahn's first since he took office in July last year. He arrived at the US Department of War at around 9:32 a.m. and was received by Secretary Hegseth. After a welcome ceremony that included an honor guard inspection and the playing of both nations' national anthems, Minister Ahn proceeded to the meeting.

The ministerial meeting was attended by Defense Ministry Policy Office Director Kim Hong-chul, Director-General for International Policy Lee Kwang-seok, Defense Ministry Spokesperson Jeong Bit-na, Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha, and Defense Attaché Yoon Hyeong-jin, a brigadier general. From the US side, the meeting was attended by Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby, Assistant Secretary of War for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of War Ricky Boria, and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Christopher Mahoney.

The meeting further addressed ways to cooperate on building a nuclear-powered submarine. At a regular briefing on May 12 (Korean time), Defense Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Lee Gyeong-ho said, “The meeting also discussed the military necessity of a nuclear-powered submarine. As the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines was agreed upon at the summit meeting, Minister Ahn emphasized the importance of achieving visible results at an early stage.” Regarding the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON), the deputy spokesperson explained, “This year’s SCM will verify the future Combined Forces Command’s Full Operational Capability (FOC), and the meeting addressed this issue.”

Minister Ahn visited Arlington National Cemetery after the meeting to pay tribute to the noble spirit of sacrifice of service members who dedicated themselves to freedom and peace. Afterward, he is scheduled to meet with various US government and congressional officials, including the Acting Secretary of the Navy, the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and the Chair of the Seapower Subcommittee.

By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >

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