The Variables of OPCON: The Sovereignty Narrative

Abstract

This article, the third in a series for The Diplomat by Dr. Clint Work, examines the challenges of advancing wartime operational control (OPCON) transition from the United States to the Republic of Korea (ROK) under the Lee administration. It analyzes the potential risks of pursuing a de facto timeline, circumventing bilaterally agreed conditions, or scaling down alliance exercises critical for assessing South Korea’s readiness. The article highlights how these dynamics could generate discord within the U.S.-ROK alliance, while exploring the tension between Seoul’s pursuit of greater sovereignty and the practical requirements for alliance stability and regional security. By situating these developments within the broader strategic context of North Korea, U.S. extended deterrence, and evolving alliance priorities, the study illuminates the delicate balance policymakers must strike to achieve a stable and mutually beneficial OPCON transition.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Logistics and Readiness

Region(s)

Northeast Asia, Korean Peninsula

Publication Date

8-22-2025

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