South Korea to Take Wartime OPCON From U.S. by 2028
Pete Hegseth addressed the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30, 2026, urging a measured handover of wartime operational control while respecting long-standing U.S. military roles. South Korea has proposed completing the transfer by 2028.
koreaherald.comU.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. 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. 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. 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.
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- Yonhap reported: South Korea has proposed retaking wartime OPCON as early as 2028.
- Yonhap reported: Pete Hegseth reaffirmed U.S. support for allies expanding their undersea warfare capabilities including South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program.
- Yonhap reported: USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson stated the two sides should aim to meet OPCON transfer conditions by no later than the first quarter of 2029.
- Yonhap reported: Pete Hegseth stated that South Korea increasing defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP and assuming greater responsibility for its conventional defense reflects a clear-eyed understanding of the threat environment.
- Yonhap reported: Pete Hegseth described South Korea's desire to regain wartime OPCON more quickly as a breath of fresh air and an instinct to incentivize.
- Yonhap reported: South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced a roadmap for domestically developing nuclear-powered submarines with the first vessel targeted for the mid-2030s.
- Yonhap reported: Pete Hegseth said he would like to see other allies and partners follow South Korea's path of taking greater responsibility for security.
- Yonhap reported: The U.S. gave backing for South Korea to build conventionally armed nuclear-powered attack submarines following the leaders' summit in October.
- The New York Times reported: Pete Hegseth told Asian military leaders how they could get to the front of the line for U.S. assistance.
- Yonhap reported: Xavier Brunson described the Korean Peninsula as a dagger toward China in earlier remarks.
- Yonhap reported: Ahn Gyu-back stated that Brunson's comments are not a major concern and that he is in frequent contact with Pete Hegseth on all current issues.
- Yonhap reported: The Chinese Embassy in Seoul accused Xavier Brunson of crossing the line and revealing belligerence.
- Yonhap reported: Ahn Gyu-back assessed Hegseth's positive view on South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine project as highly meaningful and reflective of deep mutual trust.
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