The U.S. Department of War has reaffirmed its stance that conditions agreed upon by South Korea and the United States must be met, following South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's expressed determination to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) early as planned.

According to Voice of America (VOA) today (October 20), the Department of War responded to VOA's written inquiry regarding President Lee's remarks on early OPCON retrieval and his use of related terminology, as well as comments by Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, on changes in OPCON transition conditions, stating, "The transfer of wartime operational control remains a process based on mutually agreed conditions between the United States and South Korea."

It added, "Both countries continue to agree on ensuring that necessary conditions are met before the transition takes place," and stated, "We will not prejudge the decision or outcome of this bilateral process."

VOA reported that the Department of War did not explain what Commander Brunson specifically meant by changes in the OPCON conditions, nor whether there have actually been changes to existing transition conditions or evaluation criteria.

The department's response is interpreted as reaffirming the existing principle that the OPCON transfer should be determined based on meeting conditions agreed upon by the allies, rather than aligning it with a political timeline.

The three conditions for OPCON transfer agreed upon by South Korea and the U.S. in 2014 are: ▲ military capabilities necessary to lead combined defense; ▲ the alliance's comprehensive capability to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats; and ▲ a security environment on the Korean Peninsula and in the region conducive to a stable OPCON transition.

Earlier yesterday, President Lee met with reporters at the Chunchugwan press hall of Cheong Wa Dae and said regarding the OPCON issue, "It must be retaken swiftly. Consultations between South Korea and the U.S. are also basically being discussed toward retaking it."

President Lee made the remarks in response to a question about Commander Brunson's comments regarding changes in conditions for the OPCON transfer.

At a seminar held in Washington, D.C., on October 14, Commander Brunson cited North Korea's recent missile launches and said, "Because the conditions have changed, because we've changed our plan, we have new standards which we have to uphold."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)