{
  "id": 9105217,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T07:38:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yonhap News",
    "slug": "yonhap-news",
    "url": "https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260922009600315"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "SEOUL, September 22 (Yonhap) -- Kim Min-seok, head of South Korea's Democratic Party, expressed support on Tuesday for the nation's eventual assumption of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States, citing benefits for national security. The Democratic Party leader made the statement at a National Assembly ceremony inaugurating the party's task force dedicated to overseeing the UFC transition.\n\nKim argued that the global situation is evolving, with South Korea's ability to exercise its own wartime OPCON becoming a key factor in safeguarding the nation's security. He noted that there was a period when entrusting UFC to the U.S. was deemed advantageous and dependable for the safety of the Korean Peninsula and South Korea.\n\nAs chairperson of the National Defense Committee within the Assembly, Kim highlighted the steady growth of South Korea's national power, including its defense capabilities. He also pointed out that the nature of the alliance between South Korea and the U.S. has shifted, with a greater emphasis on empowering South Korea's role.\n\nUltimately, Kim emphasized that the decision to transfer UFC rests on whether the necessary conditions, capabilities, and circumstances are present for South Korea to effectively exercise UFC. He emphasized that the appropriate time has arrived to thoroughly and cautiously evaluate the UFC transfer.",
  "summary": "SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok said Tuesday th...",
  "key_points": [
    "Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok supports wartime OPCON transfer from U.S.",
    "Global situation evolving, South Korea's self-defense crucial for security",
    "Decision on OPCON transfer depends on South Korea's capabilities and circumstances"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The DP leader's support for wartime OPCON transfer signals a shift in South Korea's security strategy, reflecting the country's growing national power and a changing alliance dynamic with the US.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-22T07:37:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}