Taking Command: The U.S.-Korea OPCON Debate | The Capital Cable #143

Under terms dating back to the Korean War, the United States retains wartime operational control, or OPCON, of South Korean forces. President Lee Jae Myung’s administration seeks to complete the transfer before his term ends in 2030.

Washington supports the transition on a conditions-based track, and Seoul has agreed to take primary responsibility for its conventional defense against North Korea. Joining Mark Lippert to discuss the timeline and the future of the alliance are Victor Cha and Gen. Robert Abrams, former Commander of United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea from 2018 to 2021.

Sources: CSIS (YouTube)