Seoul:President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the need for South Korea to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) of its troops from the United States at an early date. He expressed this view during a press meeting marking his 500th day in office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee stated the importance of South Korea managing its own defense capabilities without relying on another country. He noted that discussions between South Korea and the U.S. are progressing positively towards this transition. Lee's administration aims to complete the OPCON transfer before its term ends in 2030, if not sooner.
U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson highlighted recent changes in the regional security environment, such as North Korea's missile tests, suggesting new standards for the OPCON transfer. In response, a spokesperson from South Korea's defense ministry warned that changing conditions could impede the goal of completing the transfer.
South Korea initially transferred OPCON to the U.S.-led U.N. Command during the Korean War and regained peacetime control in 1994, but wartime control remains with the U.S. Lee acknowledged U.S. goodwill in assessing Seoul's defense capabilities but insisted on South Korea assuming full responsibility for its national defense.