Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-cheol mentions OPCON transfer and the ROK-US alliance

Defense Minister nominee Kang Shinchul said on the 11th that he agrees with the existing assessment that “even if operational control is returned tomorrow, there is no major problem with us defending ourselves.” However, he added that mutual trust in the ROKU.S. alliance must also be guaranteed. In a written response submitted to People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Yongwon of the National Assembly’s National Defense Committee, Kang explained that he has continued consultations with the United States under the principle of not adding any additional conditions regarding the transfer of wartime operational control. He also said that there is not a major difference in views between the two countries on the timing of the transfer, and that consultations have been carried out through highlevel talks. If he takes office, he said, he will reaffirm the government’s position to prepare so that the verification of Full Operational Capability of the Future Combined Forces Command can be completed at this year’s ROKU.S. Security Consultative Meeting and the timing of the transfer can be decided. In response to a security question, he said that the forces threatening the security of the Republic of Korea and the lives and property of its people are the enemy, and defined the North Korean regime and the North Korean military as enemies. He also said that, regarding the issue of authority to manage the implementation of the armistice agreement with the United Nations Command, mutual efforts between the ROK and the UNC are necessary. On the integration of the military academies, he expressed the view that it is necessary and explained that it could serve as an educational foundation for training officers. However, he said that the detailed plan would be designed after listening to various opinions from cadets, examinees, parents, and others.