Cheong Wa Dae: "Brunson's OPCON Remarks Do Not Represent the U.S. Government's Full Position"... Preparations Underway for S. Korea-U.S. Leaders' Golf Meeting

"Reclaiming wartime OPCON means switching seats in the South Korea-U.S. alliance"
Consultations between the two countries are underway
Leaders expected to meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in December
On possible golf meeting between the leaders: "Not a golf task force, but preparations are underway"

Seong Gihong, senior secretary for public relations and communication at Cheong Wa Dae, said on Oct. 20 that he understood the remarks by Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, concerning the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) did not represent the position of the entire U.S. government. His comments sought to dispel concerns that differences between South Korea and the United States over reclaiming wartime OPCON could develop into a rift in the alliance. He also said preparations were underway for a possible golf meeting between President Lee Jaemyung and U.S. President Donald Trump.

President Lee Jaemyung speaks at a Cabinet meeting held at Cheong Wa Dae on Oct. 20, 2026. Yonhap News Agency

Appearing on SBS's "Joo Young-jin's News Briefing" that day, Seong said, referring to Brunson's recent remarks about changes in the conditions for transferring wartime OPCON, "The two countries are currently holding consultations in accordance with their agreement on reclaiming wartime operational control." Brunson had earlier made remarks suggesting that the security environment and conditions for the transfer had changed, prompting speculation that the transfer schedule could be disrupted. Cheong Wa Dae thus appeared cautious about interpreting Brunson's remarks as reflecting the policy stance of the entire U.S. administration.

Seong also explained why Lee emphasizes the term "reclaim" rather than "transfer" when discussing wartime OPCON. "Transfer refers to the procedural and institutional aspects of moving command authority from one side to the other, while reclaim means taking it back," he said.

He added, "If the United States is in the driver's seat now and we are in the passenger seat, we will take the wheel and the United States will sit in the passenger seat. We are not getting out of a taxi or bus that we are riding together; we are changing roles." He explained that reclaiming wartime OPCON does not mean weakening the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

He also raised the possibility of a meeting between the South Korean and U.S. leaders on the sidelines of the G20 summit, which will be held in Miami, Florida, on Dec. 14-15. "If the president attends, we expect the two leaders will naturally meet," Seong said. In particular, regarding a golf meeting between the two leaders, he said, "If such a scene were to unfold, it would be an important event symbolizing the strength of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and the chemistry between the two leaders."

Regarding reports that a "Golf Task Force" had been formed at Cheong Wa Dae, Seong said, "There is no need to go so far as to call it a task force," but added, "We are making advance preparations in case a golf event takes place." He explained that diplomatic events between leaders require careful review, as every detail, including clothing and hats, can carry a diplomatic message. Seong also pushed back against opposition criticism of the president's golfing, saying, "I wonder if there are places that would use the president's golf as a subject for political disputes."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.