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South Korea Seeks Early 2028 Wartime Control Transfer

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 2:55 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Lee Jae Myung said South Korea can retake wartime operational control of U.S.–South Korea forces.
He said talks with the United States are progressing toward an early handover.
Seoul aims for a 2028 transfer while Brunson’s roadmap targets early 2029.
General Xavier Brunson warned that transfer conditions have changed and new standards are needed.
The ruling Democratic Party demanded Brunson apologize for his DMZ fence-line remark.

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Story summary

President Lee Jae Myung said South Korea can retake wartime operational control of U.S.–South Korea forces.
He said talks with the United States are progressing toward an early handover.
Seoul aims for a 2028 transfer while Brunson’s roadmap targets early 2029.
General Xavier Brunson warned that transfer conditions have changed and new standards are needed.
The ruling Democratic Party demanded Brunson apologize for his DMZ fence-line remark.