오석민
| 2026-05-17 14:34:55
(LEAD) security adviser-OPCON transfer
(LEAD) No major gap exists between S. Korea, U.S. over wartime OPCON transfer timeline: nat'l security adviser
(ATTN: ADDS comments on Hormuz attack in last 7 paras, additional photo)
SEOUL, May 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States have little difference in the ongoing discussions over Seoul's push to retake wartime operational control (OPCON) from the U.S., a senior presidential official said Sunday, describing the issue as "a political decision."
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac made the remarks on a program aired on KBS, a local broadcaster, as Seoul and Washington appear to have different views on the timing of the U.S. handing over wartime command.
The two sides have already agreed on the broader road map for the OPCON transition.
South Korea is seeking to regain wartime OPCON before President Lee Jae Myung's five-year term ends in 2030, amid speculation it is targeting 2028 for the transfer. But the U.S. reportedly favors a more cautious timeline.
"It is not as though the two sides differ by five to 10 years regarding the timing of the transfer. The stances of the two are quite close," Wi said. "Fundamentally, it's a political decision."
A road map will be drawn up in the second half of this year, and once verification of full operational capability (FOC) is completed, a recommendation on the transfer timing will be made, the official noted.
"Discussions on the timing will then begin in earnest, and South Korea and the U.S. will need to find a compromise at that stage," he added.
Asked if the Seoul government is aiming for a faster transfer than the 2029 timeline recently suggested by U.S. Forces Korea commander Gen. Xavier Brunson, Wi replied that the government's official position is "to achieve an early transfer within this administration's term."
"The final details could be handled at the level of talks between the two leaders, or through high-level dialogue representing the leaders," he said.
Speaking about the recent attack on the South Korean-operated vessel HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz, Wi said the investigation into the incident is being accelerated.
"A government probe team visited the scene and an additional military expert team conducted an on-site inspection. Evidence has been brought back to Seoul and further analysis will be carried out," Wi said.
The foreign ministry said two unidentified objects were found to have hit the vessel, causing an explosion and fire, but noted that further investigation is needed to determine exactly what the objects were and who was responsible. On Friday, engine debris recovered from the scene arrived in South Korea for in-depth analysis.
"We still have not identified the party responsible for the attack, but we are examining all possibilities," Wi said. "There are no other considerations involved. We will disclose the findings promptly once they are confirmed."
Wi compared the current situation to the 2010 sinking of the South Korean naval ship Cheonan, saying, "At the time of the incident, there were parties that could be presumed responsible based on circumstances, but the conclusion was reached only after an investigation. We will respond swiftly in a similar manner."
Regarding recent comments by Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back about Seoul's review of "phased" contributions to Washington's initiative to restore safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz, Wi said South Korea will make contributions and participate "to the extent necessary."
"We have already participated in international coordination efforts, including virtual summit talks with Britain and France, and ministerial- and working-level discussions are under way," Wi said. "There are similarities with the U.S.-proposed maritime freedom initiative, so we are basically reviewing the matter from the same standpoint."
(END)
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