New defense chief stresses trust in push for OPCON transfer

New Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul pledged to advance the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) between Korea and the United States, based on trust between the nations. In an interview with reporters at the Ministry of National Defense in Seoul, Kang emphasized that the process should bolster their alliance and combined defense posture.

He stated that the transfer would move in a direction that strengthens the Korea-U.S. alliance, acknowledging that successive Korean administrations and the two allies have worked towards the transfer for years.

Kang acknowledged that the process cannot be driven by Seoul alone, as an alliance involves two sides. He stressed that mutual trust is particularly important in such a partnership, noting that the process may not always proceed exactly as one side wants. Kang emphasized that trust is even more crucial than the conditions, pledging to pursue the transfer "without wavering" in a way that preserves trust.

Rejecting the notion that the transfer would weaken the allies' combined defense posture, Kang drew on his extensive experience in military affairs. He affirmed his commitment to advancing the OPCON transfer, emphasizing that it would strengthen the alliance between the two nations.