The Presidential Office said on the 11th regarding the issue of the return of operational control (ROC), "We will closely consult with the U.S. side on the matter." The office stated, "The return of ROC is a long-term issue that has been continuously discussed between the U.S. and South Korea since the past. It is not a new matter. It is also part of the new administration's pledges."

On the 7th (local time), National Security Office Director Wi Seon-lak shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C. /Courtesy of the Presidential Office

The stance of the Presidential Office comes amid growing speculation that the South Korean government would propose the 'return of operational control' to the U.S. side during negotiations ahead of the expiration of the reciprocal tariff exemption period on the 1st of next month. President Lee Jae-myung was also reportedly briefed by the Ministry of National Defense on security issues, including operational control, during a National Security Council (NSC) full meeting the day before.

The comments by National Security Director Wi Seong-lak on the 'package deal negotiations' also support this speculation. Director Wi returned home after a two-night, four-day trip to the U.S. for negotiations with Marco Rubio, the U.S. National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, and stated, "I proposed a package discussion that encompasses trade, investment, procurement, and security to the U.S. side."

Director Wi told reporters, "I don't know if that issue (return of operational control) will come up for security discussions, but we are not there yet." He also noted, "(The return of operational control) is a long-term issue we have, and past administrations have continually pursued it. It is also part of our government's pledges, and we are working on it."

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