Seoul and Washington settle on interim framework for post-OPCON Combined Forces Command

In a briefing to a parliamentary audit, Kim Seong-min, deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, announced that Seoul and Washington have agreed on a provisional structure for the Combined Forces Command once wartime operational control transfers to South Korea. The draft will be solidified during the Full Mission Capability assessment, a step that follows the Full Operational Capability verification slated for this year’s Security Consultative Meeting.

Kim emphasized that the United States has already consented to the Korean-proposed framework, countering opposition lawmaker Han Ki-go’s inquiry. He also clarified that the command will retain its English title, Combined Forces Command, and is often dubbed the “future CFC” in Korean to differentiate it from one outlet arrangement. The defense ministry aims to set a target year for the OPCON handover and recommend it to both presidents after the FMC stage. Kim rejected claims that the command might be dissolved after the transfer, stating it will remain established under the existing bilateral agreement.