Ahn Gyubaek: "Goal Is OPCON Transfer During Lee Jaemyung Administration... 21 Trillion Won Needed"

Ahn Gyubaek, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, stated on the 15th, "I understand that the goal is to transfer wartime operational control (OPCON) during the term of the Lee Jaemyung administration."

Ahn Gyubaek, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, is delivering an opening statement at the confirmation hearing held by the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly on the 15th. 2025.7.15 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Ahn made this remark in response to a question from Yoon Sanghyun, a member of the People Power Party, regarding the timing of the OPCON transfer during the confirmation hearing held by the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly on the same day.

In response to a question from Hwang Hee, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, about his views on the OPCON transfer, Ahn replied, "Since 2006, through periodic evaluations and other steps agreed upon by South Korea and the United States, I understand that our military has achieved significant results through tireless efforts." This is interpreted as referring to the agreement reached between South Korea and the United States in 2006, during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, to transfer OPCON in April 2012. However, the timing was postponed to December 2015 under the Lee Myung-bak administration, and later, under the Park Geun-hye administration, it was decided that the transfer would occur once certain conditions were met, without setting a specific date.

Ahn's mention of "significant results" is interpreted to mean that the South Korean military has met a substantial portion of the conditions required for the OPCON transfer. However, regarding the defense budget necessary for the transfer, he stated, "According to various studies, the amount varies, but it is estimated to be around 21 trillion won." As of this year, the defense budget is approximately 61.6 trillion won.

Prior to the confirmation hearing, Ahn also stated in written responses submitted to offices of National Defense Committee members, "To promote the OPCON transfer in line with the government's policy direction, I will continue to develop the necessary elements, including a roadmap, in a timely manner." He added, "Our military is pursuing the OPCON transfer, including the future combined defense system, in accordance with the agreement between South Korea and the United States, and we will strive to ensure that a Korea-led combined defense system is established in a stable manner."