S. Korea defense chief slammed over remarks questioning U.S. forces in event of war with North

South Korea's Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul faced criticism from the opposition People Power Party for questioning trust in the U.S. military amid plans to regain wartime operational control. Lawmakers called for his dismissal, citing concerns about national security and alliance trust. The defense ministry clarified Kang's remarks were responses to opposition concerns, not a challenge to the U.S. alliance.