US Forces Korea has set a goal to transfer wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea by the second quarter of fiscal year 2029, supported by a newly delivered roadmap, according to multiple reports including Yonhap News Agency and Korea Times. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, commander of USFK, emphasized this timeline during a recent House Armed Services Committee hearing, describing it as a professional military assessment rather than a fixed deadline.
The planned transfer depends on South Korea meeting specific military capability benchmarks and regional security conditions, following a conditions-based approach outlined in the newly provided roadmap to the Pentagon. Both Seoul and Washington are working jointly to ensure these criteria are met, with operational discussions to continue in upcoming annual defense talks slated for October, reports the Korea Times.
South Korea aims to complete the OPCON transition before President Lee Jae Myung's term ends in 2030, as stated by USFK leadership in hearings referenced by the Korea Herald. The partnership highlights ongoing efforts to adjust military command arrangements while maintaining readiness and strategic stability on the Korean Peninsula.
The precise timeline for the transfer is expected to be further refined during Seoul-Washington defense consultations later this year. Observers will closely monitor the progress on capability development and diplomatic negotiations, which will determine whether the ambitious mid-2029 transfer target can be achieved as planned.
USFK
Jalen Brunson
South Korea
House Armed Services Committee
Seoul
United States
Pentagon
