South Korea’s Drive for Wartime Command: A Quest for Sovereignty

Advanced | July 24, 2025

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Understanding the Operational Control (OPCON) Transfer

A Long-Standing Goal

South Korea is actively pushing to take back wartime operational control (OPCON) of its military from the United States. This move, a consistent goal across various South Korean administrations, including President Lee Jae-myung’s current government, symbolizes a desire for greater national sovereignty and a more balanced partnership with the U.S. The origins of this arrangement trace back to the Korean War (1950-53), when South Korea first transferred operational control to the US-led United Nations Command. Later, this authority shifted to the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) in 1978. While peacetime OPCON was returned to Seoul in 1994, the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) commander still holds wartime OPCON. This issue of South Korea wartime OPCON transfer remains central to current defense discussions.

Conditions, Not Deadlines

It’s important to note that this isn’t a transfer based on a strict timeline, but rather on “conditions.” South Korea must demonstrate specific military capabilities, such as leading combined forces, robust strike and air defense systems, and comprehensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets. Furthermore, a stable regional security environment is also a key factor. The CFC currently oversees over 600,000 active-duty personnel from both nations, with a U.S. four-star general at its helm and a South Korean general as deputy.

Recent Developments and Roadblocks

Renewed Talks and Congressional Concerns

As of July 2025, discussions between Seoul and Washington are ongoing at a working level. President Lee Jae-myung has made completing the South Korea wartime OPCON transfer a central pledge, convening his first National Security Council meeting on July 10, 2025, to address it. A senior South Korean official confirmed the U.S. is not opposing the transfer and that both nations are “aligned in principle.” However, on July 17, 2025, a U.S. Senate defense policy bill introduced a provision to prevent the use of funds for the transfer unless it’s certified to be in U.S. national security interest, following allied consultations. The bill also seeks to maintain the current USFK troop level of 28,500.

Evolving Security Landscape

Interestingly, the latest discussions also consider potential adjustments to the size and structure of USFK, a new element possibly influenced by speculation about a potential Trump administration’s approach to troop reductions and burden-sharing. Meanwhile, in April 2025, South Korea and the U.S. updated their joint wartime operation plans (replacing OPLAN 5015) in response to North Korea’s increasingly advanced nuclear weapons program. This new plan aims to better prepare the CFC for potential conflicts. While proponents view the transfer as vital for South Korea’s independence, critics worry about a perceived weakening of the U.S. security commitment given North Korea’s evolving threats.

Vocabulary

operational control (OPCON) (noun phrase): The authority to direct the use of forces, organizations, and resources.
- Example: “The general maintained operational control over all units in the combat zone.”
sovereignty (noun): Supreme power or authority; the full right and power of a governing body over itself, without any interference from outside sources or bodies.
- Example: “The nation fought for its sovereignty and independence.”
recurring (adjective): Happening again periodically or repeatedly.
- Example: “The problem of water scarcity is a recurring issue in the region.”
conducive (adjective): Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible.
- Example: “A quiet room is more conducive to studying.”
aligned (adjective): In agreement or cooperation with another.
- Example: “The two countries are aligned on many international issues.”
pragmatic (adjective): Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
- Example: “Her pragmatic approach helped solve the complex problem quickly.”
speculation (noun): The forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.
- Example: “There was much speculation about the future of the company.”
provision (noun): A condition or requirement in a legal document.
- Example: “The contract included a provision for early termination.”
detractors (noun): People who try to make someone or something seem less good or valuable.
- Example: “Despite his detractors, the artist continued to produce groundbreaking work.”
burdensharing (noun): The act of dividing responsibilities or costs among participants.
- Example: “The allies discussed better burdensharing for the defense initiative.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What are the historical origins of the U.S. retaining wartime operational control over South Korean forces?
Explain what “conditions-based transfer” means for the OPCON handover. What capabilities does South Korea need to demonstrate?
How has President Lee Jae-myung prioritized the OPCON transfer according to the article?
What new element has been introduced in the latest discussions regarding the OPCON transfer, and what might be a reason for it?
What are the main arguments for and against the OPCON transfer, as mentioned in the article?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Why is national sovereignty often considered an important goal for a country’s military?
How might the transfer of wartime operational control affect the dynamics of the South Korea-U.S. alliance?
In what ways could an evolving regional security environment, particularly with North Korea, influence military decisions between allies?
Do you think it’s important for a country to have full control over its own military operations, even if it means potentially reducing support from a strong ally? Why or why not?
How do international defense agreements and alliances help or hinder a nation’s independent defense capabilities?

Related Idiom

Call the shots

Meaning: To be in charge and make the important decisions.
Example: “After years of working under others, she finally got to call the shots on her own project.”

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This article was inspired by: July 16, 2025 – Yonhap News Agency