South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back urged service members on Friday to thoroughly prepare for the transition of wartime operational control from the United States. The Lee Jae Myung administration seeks to complete the second phase of the condition-based transfer assessment this year, aiming for full transfer before the end of its five-year term in 2030. The remarks appeared in a New Year's message posted on Facebook.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back urged service members on Friday to "thoroughly" prepare for the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington to Seoul, as South Korea seeks to complete the second phase of the condition-based transfer assessment this year. The remarks came amid the Lee Jae Myung administration's goal to achieve the transfer before the end of its five-year term in 2030. In a New Year's message posted on Facebook, Ahn described the verification of Full Operational Capability (FOC) as a "grave process" to ensure South Korea has the practical capabilities to lead security on the Korean Peninsula. FOC refers to the second part of a three-stage program assessing Seoul's ability to lead allied forces.
"I call on the troops to clearly recognize the national significance and generational sense of duty that lies in the restoration of wartime operational control, and to thoroughly brace for the (process) in a unified mindset," Ahn said in the statement to service members and ministry personnel.
The South Korean military aims to complete the second phase of verification by the next annual defense chiefs' meeting between the two countries, scheduled for November. This effort underscores Seoul's push for greater autonomy within the U.S. alliance while maintaining close coordination.
