President Lee Jae Myung (second from left) on Aug. 18 speaks at a Cabinet meeting held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul's Jongno-gu District. (Cheong Wa Dae)

By Charles Audouin

President Lee Jae Myung on Aug. 18 urged steadfast efforts to restore wartime operational control of Korean forces within his term in line with his administration's original plan.

At a Cabinet meeting held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul's Jongno-gu District, he said the country ranks fifth globally in military power and among the top four in the defense industry, adding that Korea is among the world's elite in self-defense ability in weapons systems and force size.

President Lee also urged smooth preparation for the launch of an integrated military academy covering the Republic of Korea Army, Navy and Air Force and acceleration of a project to build homegrown nuclear-powered submarines, saying the latter "symbolizes the future of the strong bilateral alliance with the U.S."

He proposed that the country unite to build an "irreplaceable Republic of Korea" rather than resort to political strife that ignores the lives of the people and creates animosity among the public.

caudouin@korea.kr