South Korea, US Postpone Key Security Talks Amid Operational Control Dispute

South Korea and the US have agreed to delay a crucial bilateral security dialogue to early 2027, amid ongoing discussions over the transfer of wartime operational control of South Korean forces, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported.

The decision to postpone the annual Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) was made during a meeting between US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul in Cebu City, Philippines.

The two defense chiefs, attending the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus, also agreed to meet again in Washington, DC, in December.

The SCM typically takes place in late October or early November, but has been pushed back to ensure that the discussions over operational control are thoroughly addressed.

South Korea currently hosts around 39,000 American soldiers under a mutual defense treaty, and the administration of President Lee Jae Myung has committed to restoring command over the forces by 2030.

The US has reaffirmed its commitment to the wartime operational control transition, with both ministers agreeing to cooperate closely to ensure a smooth transition.

Background 

The delay in the security talks comes as South Korea seeks to regain wartime operational control of its forces, a move that has been a key priority for the Lee Jae Myung administration.

The transfer of operational control is seen as a significant step towards strengthening South Korea's military autonomy and reducing its reliance on US military command.