Divergence in US-South Korea Wartime OPCON Transfer Timeline, Decision to be Made in October
The US proposes 2029 for the transfer of wartime operational control, while South Korea aims for 2028. The final decision will be made by defense chiefs at the SCM in October.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 16:11
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 16:31 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 18:02 (1h 30m after Collected)
(Central News Agency reporter Yang Chi-fang, Seoul, 23rd) Regarding the timeline for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) between South Korea and the United States, the commander of US Forces Korea proposed 2029 yesterday, while South Korea's target is 2028, showing a divergence between the two sides. South Korea's Ministry of National Defense stated today that a decision will be made by the defense chiefs of both countries in October, and efforts are underway to complete it as soon as possible.
According to Yonhap News Agency, US Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier T. Brunson mentioned during a US congressional hearing yesterday that he had submitted a plan to the Department of the Army, aiming to meet the relevant conditions before the second quarter of fiscal year 2029 (the first quarter of 2029 by South Korean standards).
South Korean Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Jeong Bin-na stated in a regular briefing today that the timeline for the wartime OPCON transfer will be based on recommendations from the military authorities of both countries. It will be decided by the defense chiefs during the South Korea-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in October and reported to the presidents of both nations. Regarding whether there is a disagreement with the US over South Korea's original push for 2028 as the transfer timeline, Jeong pointed out, 'It is too early to discuss specific dates at this time.'
Jeong stated that based on the 'Conditions-based OPCON Transition Plan' agreed upon in 2015, the transfer will proceed systematically, stably, and consistently once the mutually agreed conditions are met. She noted, 'The Ministry of National Defense considers this year as the "first year of wartime OPCON transition" and is striving to complete the transfer as quickly as possible.'
The assessment and verification of the wartime OPCON transfer are divided into three phases: Initial Operational Capability (IOC), Full Operational Capability (FOC), and Full Mission Capability (FMC). The FOC phase assessment has been completed, and the verification process is currently underway.
Yonhap News Agency also reported that it was previously widely believed that 2028, before the end of the terms of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and US President Trump, would be the target year for the wartime OPCON transfer. If the timeline falls in 2029 after Trump's term ends, it may be affected by changes in the political environment.
The report pointed out that the US military holds a cautious attitude toward the wartime OPCON transfer. Proposing 2029, which is later than South Korea's plan and carries political uncertainty, is also seen as reflecting this stance of the US military. Furthermore, if the transfer to South Korea is completed, it will become the first case of the US military being commanded by another country's military overseas, which is one of the reasons for their caution. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150423
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According to Yonhap News Agency, US Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier T. Brunson mentioned during a US congressional hearing yesterday that he had submitted a plan to the Department of the Army, aiming to meet the relevant conditions before the second quarter of fiscal year 2029 (the first quarter of 2029 by South Korean standards).
South Korean Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Jeong Bin-na stated in a regular briefing today that the timeline for the wartime OPCON transfer will be based on recommendations from the military authorities of both countries. It will be decided by the defense chiefs during the South Korea-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in October and reported to the presidents of both nations. Regarding whether there is a disagreement with the US over South Korea's original push for 2028 as the transfer timeline, Jeong pointed out, 'It is too early to discuss specific dates at this time.'
Jeong stated that based on the 'Conditions-based OPCON Transition Plan' agreed upon in 2015, the transfer will proceed systematically, stably, and consistently once the mutually agreed conditions are met. She noted, 'The Ministry of National Defense considers this year as the "first year of wartime OPCON transition" and is striving to complete the transfer as quickly as possible.'
The assessment and verification of the wartime OPCON transfer are divided into three phases: Initial Operational Capability (IOC), Full Operational Capability (FOC), and Full Mission Capability (FMC). The FOC phase assessment has been completed, and the verification process is currently underway.
Yonhap News Agency also reported that it was previously widely believed that 2028, before the end of the terms of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and US President Trump, would be the target year for the wartime OPCON transfer. If the timeline falls in 2029 after Trump's term ends, it may be affected by changes in the political environment.
The report pointed out that the US military holds a cautious attitude toward the wartime OPCON transfer. Proposing 2029, which is later than South Korea's plan and carries political uncertainty, is also seen as reflecting this stance of the US military. Furthermore, if the transfer to South Korea is completed, it will become the first case of the US military being commanded by another country's military overseas, which is one of the reasons for their caution. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150423
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The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.