Politics · South Korea · 4 hrs ago
South Korean lawmaker proposes unilateral wartime control declaration
South Korean lawmaker Kim Byung-joo suggested Seoul declare wartime control unilaterally if the United States will not agree on a transfer date.
The proposal came during a parliamentary defense review, and Kim was recently appointed presidential special adviser on defense policy.
The two countries have been discussing a transfer of wartime operational control, with South Korea's government and ruling party previously seeking a date by 2030 and later pushing for 2028.
Under the agreed plan, a Korean four-star general would lead the future Combined Forces Command, with US forces providing support in wartime.
The editorial argues that acting without US agreement could damage trust and weaken the alliance, including cooperation on deterrence and the US military presence in South Korea.
North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles make coordination and the ability to fight effectively central to the debate.
The presidential office has not said whether the proposal is government policy, and it is being urged to explain its position and resolve disagreements through consultation.
Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-joo proposed that South Korea declare it had taken wartime operational control if Washington refused to agree on a transfer date.
Kim made the suggestion during a parliamentary defense audit on Oct. 26.
The proposal drew criticism in a Korea JoongAng Daily editorial, which said a unilateral move could damage the Korea-U.S. alliance.
South Korea’s government and ruling party had previously sought a transfer by 2030, then pushed for 2028.
The editorial said the government should clarify whether Kim’s remarks reflected administration policy or his personal view.
- Who
- Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-joo proposed the declaration.
- What
- He suggested South Korea unilaterally declare it had taken wartime operational control if Washington refused to agree on a transfer date.
- When
- Monday, Oct. 26, during a parliamentary defense audit.
- Where
- The National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul.
- Why
- He raised the proposal in the event Washington refused to agree on a transfer date at the bilateral Security Consultative Meeting.
Kim Byung-joo and Song Young-gil
Korea JoongAng Daily editorial
Unilateral declaration
Kim Byung-joo and Song Young-gil
Kim suggested South Korea declare its exercise of wartime operational control if Washington refused to agree on a transfer date. Song questioned whether recovering control would end military cooperation with Washington.
Korea JoongAng Daily editorial
The editorial said Seoul should negotiate with its ally rather than threaten to overturn the existing arrangement.
Alliance implications
Kim Byung-joo and Song Young-gil
Song questioned whether recovering operational control would end military cooperation with Washington.
Korea JoongAng Daily editorial
The editorial warned a unilateral move could undermine trust, alliance coordination and the practical force of the Mutual Defense Treaty.
The government and ruling party sought a transfer of wartime operational control by 2030, then pushed for 2028.
Kim made his suggestion during a parliamentary defense audit at the National Assembly.
- Proposed action
- Unilateral declaration of South Korea’s exercise of wartime operational control
- Proposer
- Kim Byung-joo, Democratic Party lawmaker
- Audit date
- Oct. 26
- Earlier target
- 2030
- Later target
- 2028