South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. PresidentDonald Trump are expected to discuss a possible reduction of U.S. ground troops in Korea and the transfer of wartimeoperational control (OPCON) to Seoul during their upcomingsummit in Washington. According to CSIS expert Victor Cha, these moves are part of efforts to “modernize” the alliance, with a focus on deterring China. Speculation suggestsWashington may restructure the 28,500-strong U.S. ForcesKorea to make them more deployable for contingenciesbeyond the peninsula. The Lee administration also aims toregain wartime OPCON within its five-year term. The summitcoincides with the allies’ “Ulchi Freedom Shield” militaryexercise, which has already provoked angry responses fromPyongyang. Experts warn that North Korea could stageprovocations such as missile tests or military drills during thisperiod. U.S. defense officials may also press Seoul for clearercommitments regarding potential contingencies with China. Before the summit, President Lee will travel to Tokyo to meetJapanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250821000200315?section=national/diplomacy
