FM Cho says lodged complaint to U.S. envoy over USFK chief's remarks on inter-Korean border

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has lodged a complaint to U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel over remarks made by the chief of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) regarding the inter-Korean border. The controversy arose after USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson stated, during a seminar in Washington, that South Korean territory begins at the southern fence line of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

This has raised concerns about South Korea's territorial sovereignty, with some lawmakers accusing Brunson of questioning it. The UNC later clarified that Brunson's comments were about the command's military and administrative responsibilities under the Armistice Agreement, not South Korea's sovereignty. The government has conveyed its concerns through various channels, and the U.S. has indicated understanding and sharing Seoul's concerns.

Some lawmakers have also urged the ministry to lodge a strong protest with Washington over Brunson's remarks suggesting that conditions have changed for South Korea to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington. The two countries' military authorities are continuing discussions on the timing of the transfer, and President Lee Jae Myung has reaffirmed his commitment to an early transfer.

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