South Korea Seeks Return Of Wartime Military Command

During a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly on Tuesday, Ahn Gyu-back stated that Seoul would “endeavor to take back operational control of its own military” from Washington. The operational command, or OPCON, was handed over to the U.S. during the Korean War in 1950 and has remained under American authority ever since.

Although plans were in place for South Korea to regain OPCON in 2012, previous governments postponed the transfer, citing heightened threats from North Korea. The two allies then agreed on a “conditions-based transfer,” requiring Seoul to meet readiness benchmarks before the command could be handed back.

Ahn underlined that the U.S. troop presence — roughly 28,500 personnel — would not be affected by the shift. “Whatever situation transpires, I think the presence of U.S. Forces Korea will remain steadfast because they contribute greatly to regional peace and world peace,” he said.

Political Divides Over U.S. Role

The issue of wartime control has long been a political fault line in South Korea. Progressive administrations, such as that of President Lee, have framed the current arrangement as a challenge to South Korea’s sovereignty. Many conservatives, however, argue that U.S. command remains vital to deterring North Korean aggression.

Ahn’s remarks also come amid ongoing negotiations between Seoul and Washington over U.S. tariffs, with both governments seeking to avoid further strain in the alliance. U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggested reducing troop numbers in South Korea, arguing the country is wealthy enough to manage its own defense.

Despite such tensions, Seoul and Washington signed a new five-year agreement in late 2024 to maintain the U.S. military presence, underscoring the alliance’s continued strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region.