S. Korea, U.S. Agree to Hold Key Defense Talks After Midterm Elections

South Korea and the United States are in discussions to schedule key defense talks following the upcoming midterm elections in the U.S. This decision indicates a strategic partnership between the two nations, emphasizing their commitment to security cooperation.

Sources indicate that the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), typically held in early November, will be postponed due to the elections scheduled for November 3. The U.S. is set to host this year's SCM, and both countries have agreed to delay the meeting to a mutually convenient date in December.

The postponement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the U.S. to South Korea. Seoul aims to regain this control before the end of the current administration's term in 2030, but Washington has expressed caution about rushing the transition due to political factors.

The SCM is crucial for addressing various alliance and security issues, including defense strategies and military readiness against North Korea. The South Korean defense ministry has stated that it is coordinating with the U.S. Department of Defense to finalize the new schedule, although specific details are yet to be confirmed.

Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul acknowledged differing perspectives on the OPCON transition but emphasized the importance of trust between the allies. He also mentioned ongoing consultations with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to arrange a meeting at the upcoming ADMM Plus defense ministers' meeting in the Philippines later this month.