Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back will visit the United States next week to meet U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The allies plan to discuss wartime operational control transfer and other pending security issues.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back will travel to Washington for a five-day trip starting Sunday and hold talks with his U.S. counterpart on Monday. It marks his first visit to the United States in the role.
The agenda includes efforts to meet conditions for the transfer of wartime operational control by the first quarter of 2029 and progress on nuclear-powered submarines. South Korea aims to complete the OPCON transition by 2028.
The two sides may also address support for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on intelligence sharing regarding North Korea. Ahn plans separate meetings with acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and members of key Senate committees.
