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National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac answers questions from lawmakers during a parliamentary audit of the Presidential Secretariat, the National Security Office and the Presidential Security Service at the National Assembly's House Steering Committee on Oct. 29. / Yonhap News Agency

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac reaffirmed on Oct. 29 the government's commitment to pursuing the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) within President Lee Jae Myung's term, saying South Korea is "working to bring forward the timing while meeting the necessary conditions."

During a parliamentary audit by the National Assembly's House Steering Committee, Wi was asked by Rep. Kim Sunghoi of the Democratic Party of Korea about progress toward the OPCON transfer.

Referring to recent talks between South Korean and U.S. defense ministers in the Philippines, Wi said, "The two sides are moving closer to an agreement on the conditions and timing. We will continue making progress and report the results."

Asked whether contingency plans were in place in case the OPCON transfer encountered difficulties, Wi said, "We have considered various options," but added, "For now, we are focusing on determining the timing through consultations with the United States and meeting the necessary conditions."

Wi also said the government had considered deploying maritime patrol aircraft as a possible way to contribute to freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, no specific measures have been decided, and he reaffirmed the government's principle of not participating in combat operations or acts of war.

Asked about the possibility of expanding the role of the Cheonghae Unit, Wi said, "We are reviewing various options, but nothing has been decided. Deploying patrol aircraft has been proposed and considered, but no decision has been made."

"We are continuing our review based on our position that we should contribute to international solidarity and play a role in ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," he said. "In accordance with the president's instructions, we maintain the principle that we will not participate in combat operations or acts of war."

Asked whether the United States was continuing to make requests or exert pressure, Wi said, "Consultations with the United States are ongoing," but added that "there have been no significant new developments."

Addressing concerns that expanding the Cheonghae Unit's operational area to waters near the Strait of Hormuz or deploying patrol aircraft could effectively be regarded as a troop deployment, Wi noted that Japan and other countries also operate patrol aircraft and explained that "no decision has yet been made at the government level."

Wi also dismissed suggestions that his remarks on North Korea policy and joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises differed from those of President Lee, saying, "I think that is a misunderstanding."

"What the president is describing is the direction we should pursue, while I am explaining the current reality as we work toward that direction," Wi said. "Although the current situation is difficult, we share the same view on where we should be heading."

Regarding joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises, Wi said, "They can be adjusted as necessary, but the exercises themselves are useful." He explained that necessary exercises should be conducted while allowing adjustments depending on the circumstances.

On coordinating differing views among foreign affairs and security ministries, Wi said, "Different ministries may have different positions, and those differences are coordinated through the National Security Council (NSC). Some matters are being coordinated, while others remain undecided and require further discussions."

                                                                                                         Park Young-hoon