Jeong Bit-na, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense [Photo Reference]
The Ministry of National Defense announced that in response to U.S. Forces Korea Commander Xavier Brounson suggesting the transfer of wartime operational control to occur in the first quarter of 2029 based on Korea’s timeline, the South Korean and U.S. defense ministers would decide at the upcoming U.S.-ROK Security Consultative Meeting on the 10th and propose it to the two countries’ presidents.
Jeong Bit-na, the spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, stated today that South Korea and the U.S. are progressing towards the transfer of wartime operational control systematically, stably, and consistently under the principle of executing the transfer once mutually agreed conditions are met, as per the “conditions-based operational control transition plan” agreed upon in 2015.
Furthermore, she indicated that the ministry is designating this year as the “inaugural year for the transfer of operational control” and actively working towards completing the transfer as soon as possible. To this end, they aim to complete the full operational capability verification of the future joint command within the year and are enhancing cooperation with the U.S. to determine the transfer date.
When asked if there is any disagreement since the initial timeline set by the South Korean government was 2028, she replied, “There has been no decision on the transfer date yet,” adding that “the defense ministers of both nations plan to make a proposal.”
The evaluation and verification for the transfer of wartime operational control proceed in three stages: “Initial Operational Capability,” “Full Operational Capability,” and “Full Mission Capability.” Currently, South Korea and the U.S. have completed the second stage evaluation and are undergoing verification procedures.