(URGENT) Lee says will finalize OPCON transfer from U.S. to realize self-reliant national defense

South Korean official Lee has announced plans to finalize the wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer from the United States. The stated objective of this initiative is to achieve a self-reliant national defense for South Korea.

The decision addresses the long-standing military command structure between Seoul and Washington, marking a significant step toward independent national security capabilities for South Korea.