Presidential office stresses coordination with U.S. on wartime command transfer

Jul 11, 2025, 10:13 am

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President Lee Jae-myung (right) speaks with National Security Office chief Wi Sung-lac during a full session of the National Security Council (NSC) at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on July 10. / Source: Presidential Office

President Lee Jae-myung's office said Friday that South Korea will continue close consultations with the United States over the long-standing issue of reclaiming wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington.

“The transfer of wartime operational control is not a new issue but a long-term agenda that has been under continuous discussion between South Korea and the United States,” the presidential office said in a statement on July 11. “It is also a policy pledge of our administration.”

On July 10, President Lee received a briefing on major security issues — including OPCON transfer — during a full session of the National Security Council (NSC) held at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul.

Some observers speculate that Seoul may raise the OPCON issue in upcoming negotiations, as the mutual tariff exemption agreement between South Korea and the U.S. is set to expire on August 1.

#presidential office #U.S #wartime command transfer