South Korea, U.S. Set December Defense Ministerial in Washington
Seoul and Washington will hold a defense ministers' meeting in December ahead of a postponed annual Security Consultative Meeting in early 2027, aiming for progress on wartime operational control transfer.
South Korea and the United States have confirmed plans to hold a defense ministers' meeting in Washington in December. This will be followed by the annual Security Consultative Meeting in early 2027.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac stated Seoul expects substantive progress on the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) at defense talks with Washington early next year. The arrangement is described as a 'two-step approach' to solidify consensus on major issues before making final decisions at the SCM.
Security Consultative Meeting Postponed to Early 2027
The Security Consultative Meeting, normally held around early November and alternating between Seoul and Washington, has been postponed to early 2027. This delay marks the first time since 1998 that the SCM has been postponed to the following year.
In 1998, U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen canceled an Asia trip due to heightened U.S.-Iraq tensions. That pushed a November meeting to January 1999. The SCM is the highest-level annual defense consultative body between the two allies.
OPCON Transfer Progress and Assessment Status
Seoul expects progress on OPCON transfer following the completion of a full operational capability (FOC) verification assessment during this year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise. The allies have yet to announce when FOC verification will be completed or agree on a target year, known as X-year, for the transfer.
Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul met U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the first time on the sidelines of a defense meeting in the Philippines. Hegseth reaffirmed Washington's commitment to the transfer and agreed to work closely for a smooth transition. Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of US Forces Korea, said conditions had changed and new standards need to be met. Seoul maintains the existing three conditions remain unchanged.
Wi Sung-lac said: "We expect to make substantive progress on the OPCON transfer." He noted they have not set a completion date or target year.
Diplomatic Engagements and Regional Security
Seoul continues to support Ukraine separately from its dispute with Kyiv over an alleged breach of a confidential agreement concerning North Korean prisoners of war. It maintains sanctions against Russia and export controls. Wi stressed that Korea would not become involved in the war under any circumstances.
Regarding a September mine explosion that injured South Korean soldiers south of the Military Demarcation Line, Wi said Seoul had demanded an apology and responsible measures from North Korea. The government would continue taking necessary measures guided by clear principles.
The government is also considering expanding and strengthening the Cheonghae Unit to protect Korean commercial vessels and shipping routes. Wi said that review was not complete.
The December defense ministers' meeting in Washington will advance discussions on the two-step approach to solidify consensus on major issues before final decisions at the Security Consultative Meeting.
