Kang Shin-chul: "North Korea Is Our Enemy... We Will Work to Determine the Timing of OPCON Transfer"

[Financial News] Kang Shin-chul, nominee for minister of national defense, expressed agreement with current Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back’s assessment that "even if wartime operational control (OPCON) were returned tomorrow, there would be no major problem with defending ourselves." He also outlined a firm view of the enemy and his direction for defense policy.
On the 11th, Kang made the remarks in written responses submitted to National Assembly Defense Committee members Yoo Yong-won of the People Power Party and Kim Byung-joo of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Kang gave a clear answer to a question asking whom he considered South Korea’s principal enemy: "Any force that threatens South Korea’s security and the lives and property of its people can be called an ‘enemy.’ The North Korean regime and military, which define South Korea as an ‘enemy’ and continue to pose military threats, including through nuclear weapons, are our enemies."
This view of the enemy is also expected to be included in the new Defense White Paper, scheduled for publication at the end of the year. Kang explained, "The Ministry of National Defense is currently drafting the 2026 Defense White Paper and plans to publish it in accordance with established procedures after consulting outside experts." Defense white papers are generally published every two years, but the 2024 edition was not released in the aftermath of the December 3 emergency martial law.

Regarding the transfer of OPCON, Kang said, "I agree with Minister Ahn’s assessment," while adding the condition that "mutual trust within the ROK-US alliance must be guaranteed." He explained that consultations with the United States had proceeded under the principle of prohibiting the addition of new conditions and that "there is not a significant difference between South Korea and the United States over the timing of the transfer." He continued, "After taking office, I will prepare thoroughly, complete the verification of the Future Combined Forces Command’s Full Operational Capability (FOC) at this year’s ROK-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), and work to ensure that the timing of the transfer can be determined."
Yoo Yong-won criticized the remarks, saying, "At this point, saying that ‘OPCON could be transferred immediately, even tomorrow’ is an irresponsible statement that ignores the security realities on the Korean Peninsula."

Kang expressed support for integrating the three military academies, one of the current issues. He said, "I believe the military academies need to be integrated, and there are clearly educational values that all of them must share."
He emphasized that "the essence of OPCON transfer is acquiring the ability to independently plan, decide on, and conduct wartime operations," adding that the establishment of the Korea Military Academy would serve as a foundation for training officers with such command capabilities. However, he added that, given the controversy surrounding the issue, he would listen carefully to the views of cadets, parents, and people from all walks of life.
Regarding differences with the United Nations Command (UNC) over authority to manage the armistice agreement, he replied, "South Korea and the UNC need to make mutual efforts to find a balance between the UNC’s authority and our sovereignty." On moves to shift the role of United States Forces Korea (USFK) toward deterring China, he maintained a general position, saying, "USFK has maintained a strong combined defense posture, and we will cooperate with the United States so that it continues to develop in that direction."
Kang also explained his actions as deputy commander of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command (CFC) during the December 3 emergency martial law, saying, "While I was at the official residence, I received a report from a staff member handling CFC-related matters. I was informed that then-Combined Forces Commander Paul J. LaCamera had requested a secure call, so I returned to the unit and spoke with him."
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