Seoul: South Korea and the United States have signaled notable progress in advancing the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from U.S. forces to South Korean command, according to officials from Seoul’s Ministry of National Defense. The development comes amid a backdrop of heightened vigilance on the Korean Peninsula, where tensions with Pyongyang continue to simmer.
Currently, U.S. forces retain command of allied troops during any potential conflict on the peninsula. However, South Korea has long sought to reclaim operational control, reflecting its growing defense capabilities and desire for strategic autonomy. While the recent statement by the defense ministry did not explicitly mention OPCON, a senior South Korean official confirmed that both nations acknowledged significant headway on this critical security measure.
The announcement follows a senior-level meeting in Seoul, where officials from both sides evaluated overall military cooperation and explored ways to modernize and deepen the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Emphasis was placed on transforming the partnership into a reciprocal and future-oriented framework capable of responding to evolving regional threats.
President Lee Jae Myung reiterated his commitment to breaking the “vicious cycle of unnecessary military tensions” with North Korea, advocating for peaceful coexistence and mutual growth. He also highlighted agreements reached with U.S. President Donald Trump during their August summit to expand cooperation in high-tech defense sectors, including advanced surveillance, cyber defense, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
Analysts note that the OPCON transfer represents a pivotal moment in South Korea’s defense strategy, signaling its readiness to assume full operational command in wartime scenarios. Nevertheless, the sensitive geopolitical environment, marked by North Korea’s continued provocations, ensures that the transition will be closely scrutinized by all regional stakeholders.
Officials on both sides have pledged continued collaboration and follow-up actions to ensure a smooth, secure, and mutually beneficial transfer of military authority, underscoring the enduring strategic partnership between Seoul and Washington.