Seoul, September 11 (Daily Kiran) : South Korea’s defense minister nominee, Kang Shin-chul, announced on September 11 that Seoul is keen on regaining wartime operational control from the United States without any additional conditions. He emphasized that discussions between the two nations are progressing under the principle of “no added conditions.”
In a written response to lawmaker Yoo Yong-won ahead of his parliamentary confirmation hearing, Kang stated that the Ministry of Defense is conducting bilateral consultations with the U.S. based on this principle. Kang previously served as the deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC).
The administration of President Lee Jae-myung aims to reclaim wartime operational control before its term ends in 2030, or ideally as soon as next year. South Korea regained peacetime operational control in 1994, but wartime command remains with the U.S. A 2007 agreement between the two countries set a deadline for the transfer of operational control to April 2012, but this was postponed multiple times due to North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
In October 2014, the two nations adopted a “conditions-based” transition plan. This plan required South Korea to lead future combined commands, develop capabilities to address threats from North Korea, and ensure a favorable regional security environment.
However, differences over the timeline for the transfer of operational control persist between Seoul and Washington. U.S. Forces Korea Commander General Xavier Brunson emphasized that political urgency should not compromise military readiness.
Kang downplayed these differences, asserting that both sides are engaged in ongoing close discussions through high-level channels. He indicated that after his appointment, he would work towards completing the full operational capability certification process for the Combined Forces Command ahead of a significant bilateral defense meeting later this year.
Regarding North Korea, Kang made it clear that the enemy is the North Korean regime and its military. He stated that any threat to South Korea’s security, citizens, and property would be regarded as an adversary.
Kang also noted that even in a scenario of immediate operational control transfer, South Korea would still be capable of defending itself, provided that mutual trust within the South Korea-U.S. alliance is maintained.
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