Defense minister says S. Korea conveys concerns over USFK chief's OPCON remarks

SEOUL, October 15 - South Korea's Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul stated on Thursday that the country had expressed its concerns to the United States over remarks made by the chief of US Forces Korea (USFK) regarding the conditions for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON). This came a day after USFK commander Gen. Xavier Brunson announced that circumstances had altered regarding the transfer of OPCON from the United States to South Korea due to evolving security conditions.

Kang affirmed that Seoul had already conveyed its stance on this matter during a parliamentary audit of military courts, following a query from Rep. Son Sol of the progressive Jinbo Party about whether Seoul should strongly protest Brunson's comments. Despite Brunson's comments being made from a military viewpoint, Kang acknowledged broader implications and emphasized that Seoul was making its position clear.

Brunson suggested that the allies now had "new standards" to meet for the OPCON transfer, citing North Korea's recent missile launches. On Monday, Pyongyang had test-fired tactical ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, claiming it was a significant achievement in enhancing a crucial aspect of its weapons systems. When asked if South Korea agreed that the conditions had changed, Kang clarified that the requirements for the OPCON transfer remained unchanged, although the assessments of their full meeting could differ based on one's perspective.

The transfer of OPCON involves mutual trust within the framework of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and decisions on the transfer would not be influenced by political considerations. The defense minister's comments come amid perceived disparities between Seoul and Washington over the timing of the transfer. While Seoul aims to regain wartime OPCON from Washington before the end of President Lee Jae Myung's five-year term in 2030, potentially as early as next year, Washington has reservations about accelerating the transition for political reasons.

Kang stated that there would be "no problem at all" if the transfer occurred now, as it would result in a stronger command structure than the existing one. Upon the transfer, a South Korean commander would lead the combined forces, with the U.S. military offering support. Kang was also queried about the potential postponement of the annual South Korea-U.S.

Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), which convenes the two nations' defense chiefs. He noted that he was not the sole individual responsible for the SCM. This response came amid reports that the meeting, typically held in late October or early November, might be delayed until December, possibly influenced by the November 3 U.S. midterm elections and other domestic factors in Washington, as well as differences between Seoul and Washington concerning the OPCON transfer.