South Korea’s nominee for defense minister said Thursday he would seek to advance the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States to Seoul in a way that strengthens the alliance, as the country looks to spend more than $53 billion next year to counter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.

Kang Shin-chul, nominated by President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday, made the remarks after arriving at the Seoul Defense Convention Center, where his aides set up an office to prepare for his confirmation hearing with lawmakers.

Askedby news reporters whether the government could complete the Full