Defense chief to propose target year for wartime OPCON transfer to Korean, US presidents at year-end - The Korea Times

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back speaks during a briefing at the defense ministry's headquarters in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

The target year for Korea regaining wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States will be proposed to the presidents of both countries at the end of this year, Seoul's defense chief said Sunday.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back made the remarks in an interview with broadcaster KBS, as President Lee Jae Myung's administration has sought to complete the transfer within Lee's term, which ends in 2030.

"Discussions on the verification of full operational capability (FOC) will take place with the U.S. defense secretary at the Security Consultative Meeting in November and based on this, a proposal will be made to both presidents," Ahn said. "Then, the year for wartime OPCON recovery will be decided."

The allies are in the process of verifying the FOC — the second part of a three-phase program aimed at vetting Seoul's capabilities to lead the allies' combined forces.