S. Korea, US speed up OPCON transfer as Lee seeks transition within term

South Korea and the United States agreed to accelerate the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) as part of efforts to “modernize the alliance,” a move that aligns with President Lee Jae Myung’s pledge to complete the transition within his term. The commitment, detailed Friday in a joint fact sheet, marks a critical step toward South Korea taking full, independent responsibility for its own defense nearly 75 years after the 1950-53 Korean War. The fact sheet states that the two leaders will continue cooperation toward the transfer of OPCON, which would shift wartime authority from the U.S. to South Korea once Seoul is assessed to possess the required capabilities. “We reaffirmed our determination to strengthen national defense and reclaim OPCON, signaling our leadership over the defense of the Korean Peninsula,” Lee said while unveiling the document. “The United States expressed strong support.” The joint declaration of political resolve was immediately bolstered by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, who insisted that the highly complex transfer process is “Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times