Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, center, answers reporters' questions at Incheon International Airport, Sunday. Yonhap
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Sunday that Seoul and Washington have made “systematic, stable and consistent” preparations for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON), emphasizing that accelerating the transition process would not pose major difficulties.
Ahn made the remarks to reporters at Incheon International Airport before departing for the United States for his first official visit since taking office last July. He said the allies had achieved “considerable progress” under a conditions-based agreement reached in 2015.
“At that time, the two sides agreed on a conditions-based transfer plan and preparations have since proceeded in a systematic and stable manner,” Ahn said. “In that respect, I do not believe there would be significant issues in speeding up the transfer.”
Seoul and Washington adopted the Conditions-based OPCON Transition Plan (COTP) during the 47th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in 2015. Under the framework, the allies have pursued transfer based on three conditions: South Korea's ability to lead combined forces, its capacity to counter North Korean nuclear and missile threats and a regional security environment conducive to a stable handover.
Ahn’s remarks suggested that preparations have advanced enough for the allies to move forward more quickly, if necessary.
Asked how the two sides would narrow differences over the issue, Ahn noted an agreement reached during the 57th SCM in 2025 to determine a target year for OPCON transfer at this year’s SCM meeting, calling it “one of the key agenda items” during his visit to Washington.
South Korea and the U.S. are currently discussing a three-stage verification process consisting of Initial Operational Capability (IOC), Full Operational Capability (FOC) and Full Mission Capability (FMC). Seoul has reportedly completed the FOC assessment phase and aims to finalize second-stage verification within this year, with the goal of completing final OPCON transfer by 2028.
However, subtle differences have recently emerged regarding the timeline. Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of United States Forces Korea, said during a U.S. congressional hearing that the conditions for the OPCON transition were expected to be met by the first quarter of 2029.
Regarding cooperation on nuclear-powered submarine construction, Ahn said the issue had already been agreed upon “in principle” by the leaders of both countries, making follow-up measures “extremely important.”
Source: Korea Times News
