Democratic Party of Korea Establishes 'Task Force for the Transfer of Wartime Operational Control'... Former Army General Kim Byung-joo Appointed as Head

Yonhap News [Financial News] The Democratic Party of Korea established a task force on the 31st to continue discussions at the National Assembly level regarding the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON). The head of the task force will be Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-joo, a former Army general. Democratic Party Chairman Kim Min-seok held a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly today and announced the establishment of a task force tentatively named the "Task Force for the Transfer of Wartime Operational Control. " Chairman Kim pointed out, "Significant changes are taking place in the situation on the Korean Peninsula. U. S. President Donald Trump has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue with North Korea and has taken the lead in reducing ROK-U. S.
joint military exercises. " He added, "The issue of wartime operational control is also linked to the U. S. showing a different stance from the past and changes in the direction of U. S. tactical operations in the Asia-Pacific region. " He further analyzed, "From our perspective, changes in the U.
S. stance regarding wartime operational control are matters of great importance and strategic significance as they are linked to the ROK-U. S. Combined Forces Command and the operation of U. S. command and strategic assets. " He continued, "The situation has changed to one where we must closely monitor the position of the U.
S. , the pillar of our alliance, and view our security with greater urgency and sensitivity. " In response, he stated, "From this perspective, there have been many discussions between ROK and the U. S. regarding the issue of wartime operational control recently, and there is a need to examine this in depth. " He [tentatively named] "We have formed a task force to promote the transfer of wartime operational control and appointed Rep. Kim Byung-joo as its head.
The party will provide support to ensure that experts from not only security but also diplomacy participate so that serious discussions can take place," he stated.
[email protected] Kim Hyung-gu Reporter