U.S. says it understands South Korea's objection to USFK commander’s border comment

South Korea lodged a formal protest after US Forces Korea commander General Xavier Brunson described the southern fence line along the inter-Korean border as the point where South Korean territory begins, a statement that angered political circles for allegedly infringing on sovereignty. Lawmakers have called for Brunson to withdraw the comment and apologize. Washington replied that it fully recognizes and shares Seoul’s understanding of the matter, according to an anonymous source.

Brunson also highlighted new standards for the transfer of wartime operational control, citing North Korea’s advancing military capabilities and changes in the security environment. The United Nations Command issued a statement saying his remarks pertained to his administrative responsibilities and did not question the Republic of Korea’s sovereignty. The two allies have exchanged messages through multiple channels while continuing discussions on the OPCON handover timeline.