U.S. State Dept. Focused on Meeting Conditions for Wartime Control Transfer to South Korea

The United States is prioritizing the fulfillment of conditions necessary for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea, aiming for the earliest possible transition. This was stated by Michael Schiffer, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, during a U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing.

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We are focused on ensuring the conditions for the transfer of wartime operational control are met as quickly as possible.

Schiffer responded to a question from subcommittee chair Young Kim regarding the realism of the current South Korean administration's plan to expedite OPCON transfer, potentially by 2027 or 2028. Kim noted that U.S. Forces Korea projections suggest the conditions might not be met until 2029. Schiffer emphasized that the OPCON transfer is condition-based, requiring mutual confidence that South Korea can maintain deterrence on the peninsula post-transfer. While acknowledging South Korea's desire for an early transfer, he stated that discussions on the exact timeline are ongoing and the focus is on meeting the necessary conditions promptly, without explicitly confirming the feasibility of the 2027-2028 timeline.

The hearing also addressed concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers about the treatment of American companies in South Korea. Representative Young Kim specifically mentioned Coupang, inquiring about progress on regulatory issues and non-tariff barriers. Schiffer confirmed that a joint U.S.-South Korea fact sheet includes provisions on these matters, stating that South Korea has agreed not to discriminate against U.S. companies in its regulatory actions.

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Coupang is an issue that we have discussed quite a bit with Korea.

He further elaborated that the U.S. has made it clear to South Korea that it is dissatisfied with how Coupang has been treated, expecting the e-commerce giant to be treated similarly to other domestic companies. Schiffer also indicated that the removal of non-tariff barriers in the automotive and agricultural sectors are included in the joint fact sheet, and that U.S. embassies in the region have been instructed to actively press host governments to uphold these commitments.

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We have made it clear to Korea that we are not satisfied with the treatment that Coupang has received.