USFK Commander Targets Early 2029 for Wartime Control Transfer to South Korea

The United States has, for the first time, provided a concrete timeline for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) of South Korean forces back to Seoul. Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of US Forces Korea, informed the US House Armed Services Committee that a roadmap aims to meet the conditions for this transfer by March 2029. This date falls within the transition period of a US presidential administration, suggesting a carefully considered plan.

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I would say that right now, we’ve delivered to OSW [Office of the Secretary of War] a roadmap which will get us there not later than second quarter of FY 29, and we’ll continue to pursue that.

Brunson expressed confidence in South Korea's military strength, ranking it as the world's fifth most powerful military. He specifically praised the nation's burgeoning defense industry and increasing defense spending, viewing these as crucial elements that will enable Seoul to secure the necessary capabilities for independent command. The general noted that while South Korea is in a strong position, further work remains to be done to fully meet all conditions for the OPCON transfer.

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We will continue to press for the conditions-based OPCON transfer and ensure that all the conditions are met.

Adding a layer of complexity to the security landscape, Brunson pointed to the growing military cooperation between North Korea, China, and Russia. He stated that this trilateral relationship significantly impacts the security environment of the Korean Peninsula, influencing North Korea's actions and its development of weapon systems. The commander stressed the importance of paying close attention to this evolving dynamic, as it directly affects regional stability and the conditions under which OPCON transfer will occur.

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When you look at the 10 largest armies in the world, South Korea is one of those. They’re sitting in fifth right now.