South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back is set to travel to the United States next week to meet with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The visit aims to address various issues, including the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON). Ahn’s upcoming trip marks his first visit to the US since assuming the role of defense minister.
During the discussions, South Korea’s desire to regain wartime command of its troops from the US will be a focal point. Additionally, there are plans to collaborate with the US in developing nuclear-powered submarines. The South Korean government, under President Lee Jae Myung, is striving for a “self-reliant” defense approach and aims to reclaim wartime OPCON before 2030.
The transfer of OPCON has been a topic of debate, with differences in views emerging between the two countries. While South Korea targets 2028 for the transition, US Forces Korea commander Gen. Xavier Brunson suggested meeting the conditions by the first quarter of 2029. This timeline indicates that the OPCON transfer might not occur before January 20, 2029, the end of Trump’s term.
Ahn is expected to engage in discussions with Hegseth on these matters and emphasize the progress towards the transition. The OPCON transfer and the development of nuclear-powered submarines are key agenda items for the upcoming high-level defense dialogue between the two nations in Washington.
