KBS News Alliance modernization plans / KBS 2025.11.14.

[Anchor]

Today (11.14), the document also included what is being called “alliance modernization.”

It states that Korea will increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, while the United States expressed support for the transfer of wartime operational control.

Reporter Bang Jun-won has more.

[Report]

This fact sheet also contains “alliance modernization” measures aimed at reducing the U.S. burden and expanding Korea’s role.

Specifically, it states that Korea will raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030 and purchase 25 billion dollars’ worth of U.S. military equipment.

President Lee has repeatedly emphasized the need to increase defense spending in line with national power and has outlined a policy of preemptive response.

The document also reflects the two countries’ intent to cooperate on the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON), and progress is expected to accelerate.

[President Lee Jae Myung: “By strengthening our defense capabilities and reclaiming OPCON, we have declared our commitment to taking the lead in the defense of the Korean Peninsula, and the United States expressed its support and willingness to assist.”]

The defense authorities of both countries plan to complete verification of the second phase of the three-stage OPCON transition process by next year.

The presidential office stated, “The OPCON issue is proceeding smoothly,” and added, “We believe it can be achieved within the presidential term.”

Regarding U.S. Forces Korea, the United States reaffirmed its defense commitment through the continued stationing of U.S. troops, while Korea agreed to provide comprehensive support valued at 33 billion dollars.

According to the presidential office, the 33 billion dollars includes defense cost-sharing as well as all facilities and land provided to U.S. Forces Korea free of charge.

However, the phrase “maintaining U.S. troop levels at the current level,” was not included in today’s joint statement from the Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting. A Defense Ministry official explained that both sides share an understanding that troop levels will remain “at the current level,” as stated in the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act.

This is Bang Jun-won, KBS News.

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