Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Candidate: "Transfer of Wartime Operational Control, Our Long-Standing Aspiration... Actively Pursuing"

Opening Remarks by Candidate Won In-cheol at the Confirmation Hearing

Won In-cheol, the nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is giving a salute before taking the witness oath at the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 18th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]Won In-chul, the nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), stated on the 18th, "The transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) has been our long-standing aspiration," and added, "We will actively promote the transfer."

In his opening remarks at the National Assembly confirmation hearing held that day, Won said, "The transfer of OPCON aims to establish a ROK-led combined defense system in response to the public demand for 'strong security' and 'responsible defense.'

He emphasized, "Based on a solid ROK-U.S. alliance, we will continuously strengthen our military's defense capabilities," and "We will also accelerate meeting the conditions for the OPCON transfer."

Won also acknowledged recent consecutive 'security failures.' He said, "Although our military has made great efforts to establish a vigilant operational posture, persistent shortcomings were identified in situations such as the recent defector's unauthorized crossing to the North," adding, "We will supplement the overall security operation systems and procedures with a thorough reform attitude."

He continued, "We recognize these situations very seriously," and "We will establish operational discipline and mental readiness among soldiers performing duties in the field."

Regarding the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, Won assessed, "North Korea continues to enhance asymmetric capabilities such as ballistic missiles," and "There are still difficulties in achieving denuclearization and establishing a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula."

He further stated, "Based on a strong combined defense posture, we will strengthen combined and joint operational capabilities to respond to military threats during wartime and peacetime, as well as transnational and non-military threats," and "We will firmly respond to any provocations and threats to fulfill the military's fundamental mission."

Additionally, he said, "We will actively promote Defense Reform 2.0, including restructuring the military into a force capable of integrating the capabilities and characteristics of each service branch based on jointness to become a strong military," and "We will expand advanced forces and military capabilities suitable for the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.