DP leader says wartime OPCON transfer from U.S. to benefit national security

SEOUL, September 22 (Yonhap) -- Kim Min-seok, head of South Korea's Democratic Party, expressed support on Tuesday for the nation's eventual assumption of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States, citing benefits for national security. The Democratic Party leader made the statement at a National Assembly ceremony inaugurating the party's task force dedicated to overseeing the UFC transition.

Kim argued that the global situation is evolving, with South Korea's ability to exercise its own wartime OPCON becoming a key factor in safeguarding the nation's security. He noted that there was a period when entrusting UFC to the U.S. was deemed advantageous and dependable for the safety of the Korean Peninsula and South Korea.

As chairperson of the National Defense Committee within the Assembly, Kim highlighted the steady growth of South Korea's national power, including its defense capabilities. He also pointed out that the nature of the alliance between South Korea and the U.S. has shifted, with a greater emphasis on empowering South Korea's role.

Ultimately, Kim emphasized that the decision to transfer UFC rests on whether the necessary conditions, capabilities, and circumstances are present for South Korea to effectively exercise UFC. He emphasized that the appropriate time has arrived to thoroughly and cautiously evaluate the UFC transfer.