Korea seeks to complete key OPCON verification, set transfer year by Dec.

Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul stated on Monday that South Korea and the United States are collaborating to finalize the verification process for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) and to determine a target year for the handover by the end of 2026. Kang reiterated that the three previously agreed conditions between the allies remain valid, despite recent comments from Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, indicating that the conditions may require modifications.

During a parliamentary audit of the defense ministry, Kang informed lawmakers that his government is in close consultation with the U.S. to complete the full operational capability (FOC) verification and establish a timeline for the transfer. Rep. Kim Byung-joo of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea had previously urged the allies to agree on a transfer schedule during their annual Security Consultative Meeting, which is scheduled to occur in the United States in December.

The FOC assessment represents the second phase of a three-stage verification process aimed at determining whether the future Combined Forces Command, headed by the South Korean military, is prepared for the transfer of OPCON.