South Korea aims to accelerate the OPCON transfer process with a final review possibly completed in about a year. A senior Defense Ministry official disclosed this timeline on Wednesday. The target differs from a 2029 date recently presented by the US side. Seoul and Washington are now conducting the full operational capability assessment this year. Immediately after that phase, they will move straight into full mission capability verification. The official said the FMC assessment and its verification would take roughly a year. Afterwards, the allies would enter the final stage of the OPCON transfer.
The three-stage process began with initial operational capability, which wrapped up in 2019. The full mission capability phase marks the last step before the transition. Under a conditions-based plan agreed in 2015, a South Korean four-star general would lead a Future Combined Forces Command after the transfer. A US four-star general would serve as deputy commander. Currently, a US general leads the Combined Forces Command and holds wartime OPCON. That arrangement has remained in place since the 1950-53 Korean War.
During the latest Korea-US Integrated Defense Dialogue held May 12-13 in Washington, the allies sought a roadmap to accelerate the OPCON transfer. However, work has faced delays because more issues need resolution. The roadmap should be ready before this year’s Security Consultative Meeting, the annual defense ministerial talks. If completed, it could allow Seoul to seek a target year at that meeting. One possible scenario sets 2027 as the target, with a specific transfer date recommended at next year’s SCM.
Tensions over the timeline persist between the allies. South Korea’s government wants to complete the OPCON transfer before President Lee Jae Myung’s term ends in 2030. Meanwhile, US military leaders insist on a conditions-based approach. In April, Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of USFK, told a congressional hearing the allies aimed for a transition “not later than the second quarter of fiscal year 2029.” Yet the ministry official stressed the final decision is political, not purely military. Still, military assessments will form the basis of that decision.
Additionally, the official discussed post-OPCON nuclear deterrence challenges. The Nuclear Consultative Group is analyzing response options to a North Korean nuclear attack. The allies also formally discussed dividing DMZ management responsibilities. The US side showed understanding of Seoul’s proposal, marking significant progress. Meanwhile, the defense ministry reiterated the need for nuclear-powered submarines, though broader diplomatic efforts remain necessary. These parallel talks underscore the comprehensive nature of the evolving alliance.
