Seoul: The presidential office clarified that statements made by Defense Minister nominee Ahn Gyu-back regarding the reclamation of wartime command from the United States represent his "personal opinion." This clarification follows Ahn's comments at a parliamentary confirmation hearing, where he stated South Korea's intention to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) of its military forces from the U.S. within President Lee Jae Myung's five-year term.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang Yu-jung, the presidential spokesperson, emphasized that Ahn's remarks should be viewed as his personal perspective as a nominee. Although the topic has been a point of discussion in past administrations and was a part of President Lee's campaign promises, Kang noted that the government is currently assessing the issue as part of its broader policy agenda. However, she indicated that establishing a definitive timeline for this transition is not under active consideration at the moment.

The historical context of this issue dates back to the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, when South Korea transferred operational control of its forces to the U.S.-led U.N. Command. This control was subsequently handed over to the Combined Forces Command, established by the two allies in 1978. While South Korea regained peacetime OPCON in 1994, wartime operational control remains with the United States.