Korea to Lead Combined Forces Command as OPCON shifts, structure largely unchanged

South Korea is preparing to take wartime operational control of U.S. forces, yet the Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command is slated to retain its joint headquarters. A provisional arrangement disclosed by both governments places a Korean four-star general in command with a U.S. four-star serving as deputy, preserving the integrated staff that plans combined operations. Analysts such as Kim Jung-sup of the Sejong Institute argue that the existing agreement allows only limited changes, likely shifting more Korean generals into intelligence and operations roles.

Deputy commander Gen. Kim Seong-min said the draft plan will be finalized during the Full Mission Capability assessment and dismissed rumors of the command’s dissolution. Retired Gen. Ahn Gwang-chan warned that the key issue is whether U.S. units will fall under Korean operational control or operate via a coordination mechanism. Overall, the command’s basic framework is expected to remain, though detailed post-transfer responsibilities are still being negotiated.