The United States is focused on ensuring that necessary conditions for the transfer of wartime operational control to South Korea will be met as soon as possible, a senior U.S. diplomat said.
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre made the remarks on June 25 during a hearing of the Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific Affairs under the House Foreign Affairs Committee at the Capitol in Washington.
"We understand the desire from the South Korean administration to do it as quickly as possible, and we are focused on ensuring that the necessary conditions are in place as soon as possible," DeSombre said.
Seoul and Washington are pursuing the OPCON transition under a conditions-based agreement. The administration of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung aims to achieve the transfer before the end of its term in 2030. The conditions include Seoul's capabilities to lead combined forces, its strike and air defense capabilities, and a regional environment conducive to the transfer.
Seoul officials seek to meet the conditions swiftly, with speculation the transition could come as early as next year. U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson has said the allies aim to meet the conditions by no later than the first quarter of 2029.
