{
  "id": 9104918,
  "title": "New defense chief stresses trust in push for OPCON transfer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/new-defense-chief-stresses-trust-in-push-for-opcon-transfer",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T07:37:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/defense/20260922/new-defense-chief-stresses-trust-in-push-for-opcon-transfer"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) between Korea and the United States. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of National Defense in Seoul, Kang emphasized that the process should enhance their alliance and joint defense capabilities. Kang stated that the Korea-U.S. alliance has been working towards this transfer for years, acknowledging that Seoul cannot drive the process alone. He stressed that an alliance entails cooperation between both sides, implying that the transfer's course may not align perfectly with one nation's desires, thus, trust becomes crucial.\n\nKang argued that trust holds greater significance than the specific conditions of the transfer. He pledged to advance the transfer \"without wavering\" and with the aim of preserving trust. Kang also dismissed the idea that the transfer would diminish the allies' combined defense posture. Reflecting on his background, Kang underscored the importance of trust in maintaining a strong alliance.",
  "summary": "New Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul said Tuesday that he would push ahead with the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) based on trust between Korea and the United States, emphasizing that the process should strengthen their alliance and combined defense posture. “OPCON transfer will move in a direction that strengthens the Korea-U.S. alliance,” Kang told reporters at the Ministry of…",
  "key_points": [
    "Kang Shin-chul stresses trust in OPCON transfer push.",
    "Stresses trust over specific transfer conditions.",
    "Pledges to advance transfer while preserving trust."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "DP leader says wartime OPCON transfer from U.S. to benefit national security",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/dp-leader-says-wartime-opcon-transfer-from-u-s-to-benefit-national",
        "published": "2026-09-22T07:38:47.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "New defense chief stresses trust in push for OPCON transfer",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/new-defense-chief-stresses-trust-in-push-for-opcon-transfer-9106940",
        "published": "2026-09-22T07:52:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}