Seoul: Chun Yung-woo, a former national security adviser, has advocated for the prompt return of wartime operational control (OPCON) of South Korean troops from the United States. He emphasized the importance for South Korea's military to enhance its independent defense capabilities. Chun, who served under former President Lee Myung-bak, delivered these remarks during a keynote speech at a symposium organized by the Korean Peninsula Future Forum, an institution he founded and currently leads.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chun highlighted the necessity of regaining OPCON promptly to bolster the South Korean armed forces' sense of ownership, despite current inadequacies in their operational command capabilities. He argued against any further postponements of the transfer. During a parliamentary hearing, Defense Minister nominee Ahn Gyu-back suggested the current government aims to reclaim OPCON within its five-year term. However, Ahn's statements were later clarified by the president's office as his personal views.
The transfer of OPCON was initially agreed upon in 2006 by then-President Roh Moo-hyun's administration to occur in April 2012. It was postponed to December 2015, and further delayed indefinitely under subsequent administrations until specific conditions are met. Chun also cautioned against South Korea's dual diplomacy strategy, which seeks to maintain strong ties with both the U.S. and China. He warned that such an approach might lead to misunderstandings and complications with both nations.
Chun referenced the economic repercussions South Korea faced from China following the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, illustrating the risks associated with a dual policy. He suggested that South Korea should reduce its heavy economic reliance on China by diversifying its sourcing channels and enhancing competitiveness in key technologies and trade items relevant to the Chinese market.
In addressing these challenges, Chun recommended that South Korea prioritize the South Korea-U.S. alliance as its primary strategic safeguard, while also fostering cooperation with Japan and other countries with shared threat perceptions.