Role of UNC contested by S. Korean, U.S. militaries last month: Sources

[soryang]

Role of UNC contested by S. Korean, U.S. militaries last month: Sources
Arirang News (South Korean English broadcast transcript) Sep 3

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Seoul and Washington recently discussed the commanding authority over the South Korean military after the transfer of wartime operational control.

The two sides have reached a compromise... but according to our defense ministry correspondent Kim Ji-yeon, there still remain a few important questions that need clear-cut answers.

The role of the U.S.-led United Nations Command after Washington completes the transfer of wartime operational control to South Korea... was hotly contested by the two countries' militaries.

This has fueled speculation that the U.S. would still maintain its military authority over the Peninsula even after OPCON transfer.

Multiple military sources confirmed that during the preliminary sessions conducted in the run-up to their Combined Command Post Training held last month... the South Korean and U.S. militaries debated on whether the UNC had operational authority over the South Korean military during times of peace,... even after the envisioned OPCON transfer from Washington to Seoul.
The two sides had reached a compromise before the actual training... largely thanks to the leadership of Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Park Han-ki... and his rapport with U.S. Forces Korea commander General Robert Abrams.

But the incident highlights the need for a clear guideline before the OPCON transfer on the roles of the South Korean general... who serves as the commander... and an American general... that takes on the role of a deputy.