Lee's OPCON push revives debate over USFK role as alliance eyes post-transfer future - The Korea Times

President Lee Jae Myung tours the Shin Chae-ho, a submarine of the Republic of Korea Navy’s Submarine Command, during his visit to a naval base in Jinhae District, Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Tuesday. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae

President Lee Jae Myung’s renewed push for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington to Seoul is provoking discussion over the future of the Korea-U.S. alliance and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) after the transition.

The discussion comes as Seoul accelerates its defense agenda, saying the transfer would be possible "even tomorrow," while Washington increasingly views the alliance in broader regional terms.

Security experts say the issue is gradually moving beyond potential scaling down of the USFK after OPCON transfer toward the more fundamental question of what role the force would play afterward.

Lee has reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing OPCON transfer as soon as possible. His administration initially aimed to take over before the end of his term in 2030, but earlier this year the government seemingly moved up the target date to 2028.