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Comments point to tensions over speed of process after USFK commander says North Korean threats have changed conditions
ROK Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul and U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson at Camp Humphreys on Oct. 2, 2026 | Image: ROK Ministry of National Defense
A South Korean defense official warned that repeatedly changing the conditions for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer from the U.S. could make the process impossible, responding to remarks by U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson.
The comments underscored tensions between the allies as Seoul pushes to speed up the long-delayed transfer, which would give South Korea control over U.S.-ROK forces in the event of a conflict with North Korea.
“If the goalposts keep moving, I think the OPCON transfer will never be possible,” Defense Ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said during a regular briefing, clarifying that
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