Cheong Wa Dae: "SCM Early Next Year Will Yield Tangible Results on OPCON Transfer"

▲ Cheong Wa Dae

Cheong Wa Dae projected that tangible results could be achieved regarding the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) through the South Korea-U.S. defense ministerial talks in December and the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) scheduled for early next year.

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac held a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae today (October 30) and said, "Our military has developed the capabilities and foundation for the OPCON transfer over the past 20 years, and completed the capability assessment for Full Operational Capability (FOC) verification during this year's Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise."

Wi added, "At the South Korea-U.S. summit held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on September 23, the two leaders confirmed their shared commitment to further deepen bilateral cooperation regarding the OPCON transfer and agreed to continue follow-up consultations."

He continued, "At the recent South Korea-U.S. defense ministerial talks, both sides also agreed to cooperate on the OPCON transfer, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth particularly reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the OPCON transfer."

Wi also predicted, "The defense chiefs of both nations are scheduled to hold talks in Washington in December and hold the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) early next year," adding, "We expect to achieve tangible results for the OPCON transfer."

During a National Assembly audit yesterday (October 29), Wi explained, "Views are converging on the conditions and timing (for the recovery of wartime OPCON)," adding, "We will continue to make progress and report the outcome."

When asked if contingency measures were prepared in case discussions on deciding the target year for the OPCON transfer encounter setbacks, Wi said, "While we have various options in mind, we are currently focusing on meeting the conditions for determining the timing (of the OPCON transfer) through consultations with the United States."

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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