Minister Ahn Gyu-back: 'Meaningful Progress on OPCON Transfer Discussed at SCM'

Minister Ahn Gyu-back attended the plenary session of the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea on the 5th. He stated that at the 57th ROK-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) held the previous day, there was 'meaningful progress' regarding the transfer of Wartime Operational Control (OPCON).
In response to a question from Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmaker Jung Chung-rae about whether the OPCON transfer was being discussed, Minister Ahn Gyu-back confirmed this. At the SCM meeting, Minister Ahn and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth discussed key defense issues, including the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines and the transfer of OPCON.
When asked by Representative Jung whether the completion of Full Operational Capability Verification (FOC Verification) was scheduled for next year, Minister Ahn replied, 'Not yet,' trailing off at the end of his statement.
In response to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Kang Dae-sik about whether the timing of the OPCON transfer would be specified in the SCM joint statement, Minister Ahn said, 'I ask for your understanding that I cannot officially answer at this time.' However, he clarified that the absence of a joint statement the previous day was not due to any security disagreements between South Korea and the United States.
He explained, 'A joint fact sheet between the two leaders is currently under discussion, and the joint statement will be released after that.' He added, 'Yesterday, Secretary Hegseth also clearly emphasized at the joint press conference that there was no difference, stating, "No difference," and that no disagreements could be found.'
He continued, 'In fact, we expected the fact sheet to be completed yesterday morning and prepared the joint statement, but it seems that various issues regarding nuclear submarines and agreements required internal coordination in the United States, causing some delays.' He reiterated that the SCM joint statement would be released immediately after the fact sheet.
Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated that no specific details regarding the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines were discussed at the meeting. When DPK lawmaker Kim Byung-joo asked whether the Philly Shipyard had been mentioned in talks with the U.S. Secretary, Minister Ahn replied, 'It was not discussed during negotiations, and only general principles were addressed. The specific shipyard was not mentioned.'
However, in response to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Yu Yongwon about whether it would be appropriate to build nuclear-powered submarines domestically, Minister Ahn said, 'Given that we have accumulated over 30 years of technology and research, I believe it is appropriate.'
Minister Ahn further noted, 'Currently, the Philly Shipyard in the United States lacks sufficient technology, personnel, and facilities,' adding, 'This is a matter that requires close consultation with other government agencies.'
On the morning of the 30th of last month, U.S. President Donald John Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States had approved South Korea's construction of nuclear-powered submarines, stating, 'South Korea will build nuclear-powered submarines right here at the excellent Philadelphia Naval Shipyard (Philly Shipyard).'

wangjylee@fnnews.com Lee Jong-yoon Reporter