Seoul: South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back underscored the need for a strong and unified readiness posture during his visit to the South Korea–US Combined Forces Command (CFC), citing a rapidly evolving security environment, the defence ministry said.
Ahn visited the CFC headquarters at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, about 60 km south of Seoul, where he met US Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson, who also serves as the CFC commander. The visit marked Ahn’s first on-site inspection of the year, highlighting the importance Seoul places on maintaining a robust combined defence posture with Washington.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the defence minister called for swift implementation of agreements reached during the South Korea–US summit talks in October, as well as decisions taken at the annual Security Consultative Meeting of the allies’ defence chiefs held the following month.
At the November meeting, the two nations agreed to expedite the execution of criteria for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States to South Korea, a process Seoul aims to complete by 2030.
Referring to the CFC as the “heart of the South Korea–US alliance,” Ahn stressed the need for resolute combat readiness amid fast-changing regional security dynamics. “To strengthen our joint defence posture and maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, I hope the CFC plays a key role in 2026,” he said.
The ministry also noted that senior officials praised both South Korean and American forces for their continued efforts to promote peace and stability on the peninsula in recent New Year messages.
