Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul pledges to pursue OPCON transition that strengthens South Korea-U.S. alliance
Quick Look
Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul stated he will pursue the transfer of wartime operational command from the U.S. in a manner that strengthens the South Korea-U.S. alliance, as Seoul aims to complete the full operational capability assessment this year ahead of a target handover date before President Lee Jae-myung's term ends in 2030.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
South Korea has sought to regain wartime operational command from the U.S. since the early 2000s, with the transfer structured in three phases. The current administration aims to complete the process before President Lee Jae-myung's term ends in 2030.
By Kim Hyun-soo
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul said Thursday he will pursue the transition of wartime operational command (OPCON) from Washington in a way that will strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
Kang, ex-deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, made the remarks as Seoul has been seeking to regain wartime command before President Lee Jae Myung's five-year term ends in 2030.
Under the three-phase OPCON transition plan, the allies are at the second stage of verifying the combined forces' "full operational capability (FOC),"; with Seoul aiming to complete the FOC assessment process within this year.
"We will pursue the transition of OPCON in a way that will strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance," Kang told reporters on his way to work to prepare for a parliamentary confirmation hearing.
South Korea has been hoping to set a target year for the OPCON handover at this year's annual Security Consultative Meeting between the allies' defense chiefs this fall.
In a recent Cabinet reshuffle, Kang was nominated as the new defense minister to replace Ahn Gyu-back, who has served as the first civilian defense chief under the Lee administration.
He is currently South Korea's ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
What to Watch
AI outlook โ possibilities, not facts
South Korea will complete the full operational capability assessment within this year.
Likely ยท Within months
A target year for the OPCON handover will be set at this year's annual Security Consultative Meeting.
Possible ยท Within months
Open Questions
- What specific criteria will be used to assess 'full operational capability'?
- When will the Security Consultative Meeting take place this fall?
- How will the OPCON transfer affect joint military exercises and planning?
