South Korea-U.S. Defense Chiefs Hold First Meeting in Manila, Likely Discussing OPCON and Other Issues

Minister of National Defense Kang Shincheol met with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Cebu, Philippines, on October 28, while attending the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).

Minister of National Defense Kang Shincheol (right) poses for a commemorative photo after meeting with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Cebu, Philippines, on the 28th. Ministry of National Defense.

The meeting was reportedly an introductory one between the two countries' defense chiefs, marking their first face-to-face talks since Kang took office. It was held 37 days after he was appointed on September 22. Details of the meeting have not yet been released.

As this was the first meeting between the top defense officials of South Korea and the United States, they are believed to have exchanged views on key security issues, including the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) and the schedule for the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM).

The South Korean government is working to complete the verification of the Full Operational Capability (FOC) of the Future Combined Forces Command through this year's SCM and to establish a target year for the transfer of OPCON. However, the SCM schedule has yet to be finalized amid differences between South Korea and the United States over the timing and pace of the transfer.

Before departing the previous day, Minister Kang told reporters, "We will basically discuss matters related to the alliance, and I think the transfer of wartime operational control will naturally come up as well. I will hold close consultations and return." Asked about the possibility of holding the SCM within this year, he replied, "They have their own circumstances, so I think we need to hear them out." On the possibility of discussing other agenda items, such as nuclear-powered submarines, he said, "We anticipated that as well, and are preparing for it now."

Some observers say the SCM, which is usually held in November, could be postponed until next year. In response to inquiries from some media outlets, the U.S. Department of War reportedly said today that it expected the SCM to be held early next year, and that this was based on consultations between South Korea and the United States.

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