U.S. and South Korean Marine Chiefs Agree to Expand Drills Even After OPCON Transfer

U.S. Marine Corps discussed ways to expand military cooperation and joint drills during meetings at the Pentagon on June 2, 2026. Yonhap reported that the talks focused on strengthening their combined defense readiness posture.

Lt. Gen. Ju Il-suk, commandant of the South Korean Marine Corps, held the talks with Gen. Eric M. S. Marine Corps. The meeting took place at the Pentagon near Washington on Tuesday local time, according to South Korea's Marine Corps.

U.S. transfer of wartime operational control to Seoul. Gen. Eric M. Smith underscored the role of the Marine Corps in forming a "strong and lasting" alliance. Gen. Eric M. Smith voiced hope to continue joint drills and personnel exchanges to contribute to the security on the Korean Peninsula.

U.S. commandant. Lt. Gen. Ju Il-suk also visited a Korean War veterans memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Korean War memorial commemorating the Changjin Reservoir Battle.

U.S. soldiers who fought in the 1950-53 Korean War during these visits. The visit by Lt. Gen. S. Marine Corps Forces Command.

U.S. Department of Defense in Washington on June 2, 2026.