South Korea and U.S. Agree to Timely OPCON Transfer

South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth agreed to pursue a timely transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) during their first in-person meeting at the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in the Philippines. Both officials expressed convergence on the conditions and timing for the transition, which South Korea aims to complete before President Lee Jae Myung's term ends in June 2030.

Despite the agreement, the allies postponed the annual Security Consultative Meeting, usually held in October or November, until early 2027. This delay follows a planned ministerial meeting scheduled for December in Washington.

Wi Sung-lac, the South Korean National Security Adviser, addressed concerns that the postponement and new military benchmarks mentioned by Gen. Xavier Brunson might hinder the process. He asserted that the allies remain committed to the transition based on principles established during the Moon Jae-in administration, stating that there has been a convergence of views on the conditions and timing.