Translation result
[Anchor] The commander of U.S. Forces Korea told a U.S. congressional hearing he expects the transfer of wartime operational control in 2029, while the South Korean government is aiming for 2028. With signs of strain emerging across the alliance, the two sides are showing differing views on the timeline. The transfer date will be decided at the U.S.-South Korea Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in October, when both defense ministers attend. This is Ji Seong-rim. [Reporter] President Lee Jae-myung pledged to achieve the transfer of wartime operational control during his term. The Lee administration has set 2028 — before President Donald Trump’s term ends — as its target year, arguing that failing to complete the transfer while a U.S. administration favorable to it remains in office could allow a future U.S. government to block the move. However, Javier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, told the House Armed Services Committee that he views 2029 as the target year. South Korean military officials say he did not coordinate that date with them. They emphasized that Seoul has not fixed a target year and said the SCM meeting in October, attended by both defense ministers, will determine the timing based on recommendations from the military. 「Jeong Bit-na / Defense Ministry spokesperson」 Commander Brunson’s remarks reflect the view of U.S. Forces Korea. The timing of the transfer will be decided by the two defense ministers at the SCM based on recommendations from the military authorities and then proposed to both presidents. The U.S. and South Korea originally agreed during President Roh Moo-hyun’s administration to transfer operational control by April 2012, but the Lee Myung-bak administration postponed it to December 2015. The Park Geun-hye administration later removed a fixed deadline and said the transfer would take place once the required conditions were met. Evaluations and verifications for the transfer proceed in three stages — initial operational capability, full operational capability, and full mission capability. Officials say they have completed the second-stage evaluation and are now undergoing the verification process. Yonhap News TV’s Ji Seong-rim. [Video reporting: Jeong Jae-hyun] [Video editing: Yoon Hyun-jung] Yonhap News TV inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23 Ji Seong-rim (yoonik@yna.co.kr)
Most Commented