South Korea and the United States discuss changes to military command and border management

South Korea and the United States are holding talks about significant changes to their long-standing military alliance. A key topic is the potential transfer of wartime operational command, known as OPCON, which would give South Korea a primary defense role. South Korea has also proposed that the two countries jointly manage parts of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates it from North Korea.

These discussions are happening alongside regular military activities, including a transfer-of-authority ceremony for a U.S. Stryker unit and the upcoming Freedom Shield joint military exercise scheduled for March. A U.S. delegation with officials from various agencies is also set to visit South Korea to discuss these matters.