South Korea Marine Corps Independence 2026: Restoring Command After 50 Years
South Korea announces the Marine Corps independence 2026 roadmap. Operational control of the 1st and 2nd divisions will be restored from the Army after 50 years.
After 50 years of Army oversight, South Korea's Marines are finally taking back the reins. The Defense Ministry announced on December 31, 2025, that operational control of two major Marine divisions will be restored to the Corps as part of a sweeping military overhaul.
The South Korea Marine Corps Independence 2026 Roadmap
It's a move designed to ensure the total autonomy of the Marine Corps over its units. Under the new plan, the 1st Marine Division will return to the Corps' command by the end of 2026, followed by the 2nd Marine Division in 2028. Currently, these divisions are governed by the Army's 2nd Operation Command and the Capital Corps, respectively.
| Unit | Current Control | Restoration Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Marine Division | Army 2nd Operation Command | End of 2026 |
| 2nd Marine Division | Army Capital Corps | End of 2028 |
Elevating Command and Strategic Structure
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated that while the Marines will remain within the Navy's umbrella, their commander will now hold authority on par with other service chiefs. The ministry is also weighing the promotion of the Marine commander to a four-star general position, a significant step up from the current three-star rank.
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