South Korea to Assume Wartime OPCON From U.S. by 2028

U.S. military responsibilities during his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30, 2026.

U.S. plans and responsibilities during the transition. U.S. Uniformed members have had for decades now (are) honored, as we phase over to wartime OPCON transfer for the Republic of Korea, which we welcome the fact that they want that," he said. South Korea has proposed completing the transfer as early as 2028, before the end of the current administration's term in 2030.

U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson suggested the allies should meet the required conditions by no later than the first quarter of 2029. Brunson emphasized that proper military capabilities and readiness must be ensured before any handover.

"The position that we have within the (Korean) peninsula ... is important," he said. South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced a road map earlier this week that targets the first domestically built vessel in the mid-2030s.

5 percent of gross domestic product. Brunson described the Korean Peninsula as a "dagger" toward China when using an east-up map orientation.

The Chinese Embassy in Seoul accused him of crossing the line and revealing belligerence. U.S. counterparts and does not view the remarks as a major concern.

"I am in frequent contact with Secretary Hegseth on all current issues," he told reporters.