President indirectly criticizes USFK chief's remarks on potential OPCON transition delay
President Lee Jae Myung on Monday indirectly criticized U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson’s latest remarks on condition changes for transferring wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington to Seoul. It is the first time for the Korean president to talk about the recent controversy over the commander's comments on the OPCON transition, although he did not directly…
President Lee Jae Myung indirectly criticized USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson’s recent remarks on the potential delay in transferring wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington to Seoul. This marks the first time the Korean president has addressed the controversy surrounding Brunson’s comments, though he did not directly reference him or his remarks.
During a press conference marking his administration’s 500th day in office, Lee expressed his appreciation for the goodwill shown by the United States, stating that they intend to transfer OPCON after confirming South Korea’s ability to defend itself and conduct operations independently. However, Lee emphasized that it is ultimately a task that South Korea should handle itself, calling it "something we should do ourselves."
His comments came in response to Brunson’s remarks at a seminar last week, in which he noted that changes in operational plans due to North Korea’s improved missile capabilities had led to new criteria and conditions for the OPCON transfer, stressing that it should be contingent on South Korea’s military capabilities.
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