Seoul expects substantive progress on OPCON transfer at early 2027 defense talks with US
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Friday that Seoul expects to make progress on the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) at defense talks with Washington early next year. Speaking at a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae, Wi said the two countries plan to hold another defense ministers’ meeting in Washington in December, followed by the annual Security Consultative Meeting (SCM)…
South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac expressed optimism regarding advancements in the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) during upcoming defense talks with the United States in early 2027. Wi highlighted a scheduled defense ministers' meeting in Washington, D.C., in December, followed by the annual Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in early 2027. "We anticipate making meaningful progress on the OPCON transfer," Wi stated.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized Washington's dedication to the transfer during a meeting with South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul in Cebu, Philippines, on Wednesday. A senior presidential official confirmed that the United States has no objections to the transfer, provided both sides meet the established conditions.
Wi also mentioned that the allies concluded an assessment for full operational capability (FOC) verification as part of the conditions-based transfer process during this year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise.
Traditionally held in the fall, the SCM has been anticipated to occur later in the year.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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