Politics · South Korea · 1 hr ago
South Korea and U.S. coordinate on wartime command transfer target
South Korea and the United States are discussing when Seoul will take wartime operational control from Washington.
The transfer would let South Korea lead the allies’ combined forces during wartime.
The allies are in the second stage of a three-stage process, which checks whether South Korea has the capabilities needed to lead.
South Korea’s government wants the handover before its term ends in 2030, while the U.S. has urged caution about moving too quickly.
They still disagree on whether the required conditions have been met, and South Korea hopes to complete a key capability assessment at the next security meeting.
The countries are expected to discuss the transfer at a meeting in Washington in December, though it is not clear whether they will set a target year then.
South Korea and the United States are coordinating on setting a target year for the transfer of wartime operational control to Seoul, South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul said.
South Korea’s government wants the transfer before President Lee Jae Myung’s term ends in 2030, or earlier.
The United States has taken a more cautious approach and has expressed reservations about rushing the handover for political reasons.
The allies are in the second phase of a three-stage process to assess South Korea’s ability to lead their combined forces.
The two countries are expected to discuss the transfer at a Security Consultative Meeting in Washington in December.
- Who
- South Korea and the United States. South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul described their coordination.
- What
- The allies are coordinating on completing a certification of South Korea’s capabilities and setting a target year for wartime operational control transfer.
- When
- Kang spoke on Oct. 26, 2026. The allies are expected to discuss the issue in December.
- Where
- Kang spoke during a parliamentary audit in Seoul. The expected meeting is in Washington.
- Why
- South Korea wants to retake wartime operational control before President Lee Jae Myung’s term ends in 2030, or earlier.
South Korean government
United States
Timing
South Korean government
South Korea wants the transfer before President Lee Jae Myung’s term ends in 2030, or earlier.
United States
The United States has taken a more cautious approach and has expressed reservations about rushing the handover for political considerations.
Assessment
South Korean government
South Korea hopes to complete the full operational capability certification at the upcoming meeting.
United States
The allies have differences over whether the conditions for that assessment have been met.
U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson said that conditions had changed for South Korea to retake wartime operational control, drawing pushback from Seoul.
Kang Shin-chul said South Korea and the United States were coordinating on certification and setting a target year for the transfer.
The countries’ defense chiefs are widely expected to meet in Washington for the Security Consultative Meeting and discuss the transfer.
- Target year
- Year X” for the transfer has not been set.
- South Korea’s goal
- Complete the transfer before the end of President Lee Jae Myung’s term in 2030, or earlier.
- Assessment phase
- Second phase of a three-stage transition plan.
- Upcoming meeting
- Security Consultative Meeting, expected in Washington in December.
- Certification
- South Korea hopes to complete the full operational capability certification at the upcoming meeting.
5 sources
What people are saying
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