President-elect Yoon: "Transfer of wartime operational control is not a matter to be decided by ideology... No reason to avoid meeting Kim Jong-un"

In Interview with VOA: "Transfer of Wartime Operational Control Should Not Be Decided by Ideology or Justification"
"North Korea Nuclear Response Must Not Be Handled Conveniently... Consistent Message Needed"
On Quad: "Alliance Should Be Elevated to Address Not Only Military Security but Also Various Global Issues"

On the 4th, Yoon Seok-yeol, the president-elect of the 20th term, visited Buron Industrial Complex in Wonju, Gangwon Province. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol stated that the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) should be decided based on the most effective method to lead the war to victory.

On the 7th, in an interview with Voice of America (VOA), Yoon said, "Wartime operational control (OPCON) should be decided according to the most effective way to win the war, not based on any justification or ideology."

VOA asked, "Does this mean there is no need to accelerate the OPCON transfer faster than the current pace?" and Yoon responded accordingly.

He said, "First, we need to secure considerable surveillance and reconnaissance intelligence capabilities to command combined operations. Although not superior to the U.S., we must secure a certain level of surveillance and reconnaissance assets and operate that system, but I think the preparation is somewhat insufficient."

There was also a Q&A regarding North Korea's nuclear issue. Yoon stated, "It is essential to further advance the defense system capable of responding to missile attacks as a delivery means," and added, "If we focus on these two aspects, the U.S. would likely not strongly oppose transferring operational control."

When asked if he is willing to meet directly with North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un, he replied, "There is no particular reason to avoid meeting."

However, he said, "If we just meet without any achievements or only have showy results without practical outcomes in denuclearization or economic support for North Korea, it would not be very helpful for North Korea's denuclearization or the advancement of inter-Korean relations."

He continued, "However, there is no doubt that we are one Korean people," and added, "I think cultural and sports exchanges should be carried out smoothly."

Regarding the South Korean military's response to North Korea's nuclear issue, he stated, "It should not be changed conveniently from time to time. We need to provide consistent signals and messages."

Additionally, he explained, "If North Korea takes irreversible denuclearization measures such as giving up nuclear weapons even slightly or accepting nuclear inspections, we will review and prepare programs that can significantly improve North Korea's economic situation."

President-elect Yoon also mentioned the agenda to be discussed at the Korea-U.S. summit scheduled for the 21st.

He referred to participation in the Quad working group, saying, "Last year, after President Moon Jae-in met with U.S. President Joe Biden and had a verbal agreement, it is necessary to reinforce the contents involved and supplement the parts that were missing at that time."

He added, "Last year, only vaccine issues were discussed regarding the Quad working group, but I think the scope of participation activities of the working group should be expanded to include climate issues and advanced technology fields," and said, "Korea and the U.S. need to cooperate more closely in advanced technology fields."

When asked about the direction of the Korea-U.S. alliance, he emphasized, "We must expand and elevate it to a comprehensive alliance relationship covering all areas beyond military security, including economy, advanced technology, supply chains, global issues such as climate change, and healthcare."

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