OPCON transfer, reduced drills among issues expected to be raised
USFK commander's presence signals substantive talks beyond protocol
Newly arrived US Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel visited the Ministry of National Defense compound in Yongsan, Seoul, on Thursday — her first call on the ministry since taking up her post in late July. She is believed to have met with USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson and Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back for introductory talks.
While the visit appeared to be a courtesy call, key alliance issues — including the transfer of wartime operational control and follow-up measures after the scaling back of joint military exercises — were expected to come up during the meeting.
The Defense Ministry was Steel's third stop among South Korean government ministries, following earlier visits to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Newly appointed US ambassadors to South Korea typically meet the foreign minister first when submitting a copy of their credentials to the Foreign Ministry, then present their credentials to the president before calling on other cabinet ministers.
Major alliance issues, including South Korea's efforts to reclaim wartime operational control, were expected to be on the agenda.
The South Korean government has set a target of completing the OPCON transfer by June 2030, within President Lee Jae Myung's term. As part of a three-stage verification process — Initial Operational Capability, Full Operational Capability and Full Mission Capability — Seoul had planned to wrap up the FOC assessment this year and recommend a transfer timeline to the two presidents at the fall Security Consultative Meeting.
Observers believe Steel was briefed on the progress of that roadmap and South Korea's commitment to it, with both sides reaffirming US cooperation.
Last month, the regular combined exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield was cut roughly in half and ended early on the orders of US President Donald Trump.
Brunson had visited the Defense Ministry at the time to discuss follow-up steps with Ahn. Analysts say Thursday's meeting likely also touched on how the exercise reduction could affect the OPCON transfer verification process and what adjustments might be made to the scale of next year's first-half Freedom Shield CPX.
Brunson's decision to accompany Steel also drew attention. The two had met separately in early August to discuss ways to strengthen the combined defense posture, and on Aug. 10 they visited Seoul National Cemetery together, underscoring the symbolic importance of the alliance. Analysts say the joint visit suggests the meeting went beyond mere protocol to include substantive working-level discussions.
Meanwhile, Steel called on Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Aug. 4 and presented her credentials to President Lee on Aug. 12. She then met Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Kim Jung-kwan on Aug. 14, making him the second cabinet minister she visited.
rimsclub@heraldcorp.com
