Seoul: Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul has stated that South Korea aims to retake wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States under the firm principle of "no additional conditions." Kang, a retired four-star Army general and former deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC), submitted this position in written responses to a lawmaker before his parliamentary confirmation hearing.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang articulated that the defense ministry has been engaging in bilateral consultations with the U.S. based on this principle. His comments come as Seoul seeks to regain OPCON before the end of the Lee Jae Myung administration's term in 2030, or possibly as soon as the following year.
The OPCON transition was agreed upon in a "conditions-based" plan between the allies in October 2014, requiring South Korea to lead the future combined command and secure crucial strike capabilities to counter North Korean threats. However, there are indications of a widening gap over the timeline for OPCON transition, with reservations from Washington and the U.S. military about hastening the process.
In response to these developments, the U.S. Senate has proposed a requirement for the U.S. defense secretary to provide regular updates to Congress on the OPCON transfer road map. Meanwhile, Gen. Xavier Brunson of the U.S. Forces Korea has emphasized that military readiness should not be compromised for political expediency.
Kang downplayed concerns regarding the perceived divide over the timing of OPCON transfer. He noted that the gap is not significant and that both sides have conducted close consultations through high-level channels. Once appointed, Kang aims to ensure comprehensive preparations for completing the "full operational capability (FOC)" certification of the future CFC at an upcoming bilateral defense meeting.
South Korea is eager to finalize the FOC certification and announce the target year for OPCON transition at the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) between the defense chiefs of the allies in the fall. Kang also expressed agreement with outgoing Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back's assessment that South Korea has adequate defense capabilities for an immediate OPCON transfer, while emphasizing the importance of mutual trust in the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
Addressing the management of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Kang called for mutual efforts to balance UNC authority and South Korea's sovereignty. The UNC has objected to the Lee administration's attempts to access parts of the southern DMZ for peace-building measures.
On the issue of Washington's focus on deterring China and Seoul's defense against North Korea, Kang pledged to collaborate with the U.S. to maintain a strong joint defense posture in the region. He identified the North Korean regime and its military as South Korea's adversaries, citing their ongoing military threats, including nuclear weapons, as a significant concern.