Seoul warns shifting demands could derail US wartime command handover

South Korea's defence establishment has raised concerns that evolving conditions and requirements could complicate its timeline to assume full wartime command authority from the United States, a transition long considered a symbolic milestone in the country's military sovereignty.

The warning comes as Seoul has reportedly identified 2028 as its preferred target date for the handover of operational control during wartime scenarios. This represents a significant shift in the alliance's command structure, whereby South Korea would gain direct authority over its forces in the event of conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

Official statements indicate that Seoul regards the transfer as contingent upon meeting specific military and technical benchmarks. The concerns raised suggest that external factors or reassessed requirements could push the timeline beyond the proposed 2028 date, potentially delaying what has been a long-standing objective for South Korean policymakers.

The planned transition reflects broader trends across the Asia-Pacific region, where allied nations have increasingly sought greater autonomy over their military operations. However, officials emphasize that any handover must ensure operational readiness and maintain the effectiveness of the South Korea-US defence partnership, which has underpinned regional security for decades.