Hegseth calls for 'balanced' OPCON transfer to South Korea where US military roles are 'honoured'
Singapore, May 30
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday called for finding a "balance" in the transfer of wartime operational control to South Korea in a way that respects the roles the US military has played for decades.
Hegseth made the remarks at a defence forum in Singapore amid growing concerns over what appear to be differing views between Seoul and Washington over when and how the transition should proceed, Yonhap news agency reported.
"I think we have to find the balance of where our military plans and the responsibilities that US uniformed members have had for decades now (are) honoured, as we phase over to wartime OPCON transfer for the Republic of Korea, which we welcome the fact that they want that," he said during a session of the Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Seoul has proposed retaking wartime OPCON from Washington as early as 2028 as it seeks to complete the transfer before the Lee Jae Myung administration's five-year term ends in 2030.
However, doubts have emerged over whether Washington sees eye to eye with Seoul on such a timeline after US Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson suggested the two sides aim to meet the conditions required for the OPCON transfer by no later than the first quarter of 2029.
South Korea handed over operational control of its troops to the US-led UN Command during the 1950-53 Korean War. It was then transferred to the allies' Combined Forces Command when the command was launched in 1978.
Brunson, who was also taking part in the regional forum in Singapore, stressed the importance of ensuring proper military capabilities and readiness for the OPCON transition.
"The position that we have within the (Korean) peninsula ... is important," the USFK chief said.
"But what's also important (is) that we have the right capabilities, the right place and the right time," he added, while also stressing the importance of taking those elements into "actual perspective."
Hegseth reiterated his positive view on Seoul's strong will to retake the wartime OPCON, calling it a "breath of fresh air" that an ally wants to regain control "more quickly."
"It is an instinct we want to continue to incentivise," he said. "I think it provides even more optionality for both the Koreans and the United States there on the (Korean) peninsula going forward, which is a very good thing."
Regarding South Korea's push for a nuclear-powered submarine program, Hegseth reaffirmed U.S. support for allies wanting to expand their own undersea warfare capacity, which he said would enhance deterrence and regional stability.
"Allies and partners seeking similar capabilities in their own defence and in regional stability makes a lot of sense to us," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
South Korea wanting to take charge of their own defence is completely understandable. After 70+ years of US control, any sovereign nation would want full operational command. But that "readiness conditions" talk from General Brunson feels like moving goalposts honestly. India faced similar delays with technology transfers from the US in the past. Hope Seoul gets their OPCON transfer soon! 🇮🇳🤝🇰🇷
Hegseth's "breath of fresh air" comment about Seoul wanting faster OPCON transfer is diplomatic spin. The reality is that US military presence in Korea serves American strategic interests in the region, not just Korean defence. India should take notes - we also need to reduce dependency on foreign military support and develop indigenous capabilities. Self-reliance isn't just a slogan, it's security.
As someone with family who served in the Korean theatre, I understand the emotional weight of OPCON transfer. The US troops sacrificed a lot in the Korean War and their role should be honoured. But Korea is a developed nation now, they should absolutely take command. The real question is whether their military is ready for the complex joint operations needed against North Korea. A phased transition with clear milestones seems wise.
South Korea is a tech powerhouse and economic giant, why would Washington doubt their capability to handle OPCON? This hesitation feels like classic American exceptionalism - thinking no other nation can handle complex military operations without their oversight. Countries like India run massive, complex defence networks independently. Let Korea stand on its own feet. Also, nuclear submarines for South Korea? That would definitely shift the regional power balance!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.