[Discussion on South Korea-Japan Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and the Need for Public Consensus]

Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-baek officially mentioned that discussions regarding the South Korea-Japan Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) took place during the South Korea-Japan defense ministers' meeting. However, he maintained a cautious stance, stating that public consensus and understanding must precede any decision on the signing of the agreement.

Meeting with reporters on the 31st at the venue of the 23rd International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) in Singapore, Minister Ahn said regarding the meeting held the previous day, "The ACSA is a matter that requires the understanding and persuasion of the people of both countries," adding, "I believe we must still approach it cautiously."

The ACSA is an institutional mechanism that allows for the mutual support of military supplies, such as ammunition, fuel, and food, between countries in times of contingency. While it is evaluated as an agreement that elevates military cooperation to the next level, it is perceived as a sensitive issue domestically due to the unique nature of South Korea-Japan relations and historical issues.

Although the ACSA was not included as an official agenda item during this meeting, it was reported that the Japanese side mentioned the issue during the talks. This is the first time that the South Korean defense authorities have publicly acknowledged discussing the ACSA issue with Japan since the launch of the current administration.

Discussions on the ACSA between South Korea and Japan were previously considered for promotion during the Lee Myung-bak administration alongside the South Korea-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). However, relevant discussions were suspended after they fell through amid backlash from domestic public opinion at the time. Since then, Japan has continuously expressed its intention to sign the agreement, but the South Korean government has maintained a cautious attitude.

The Ministry of National Defense clarified in a separate statement, "At present, signing the ACSA is premature and we are not reviewing it," making it clear that there has been no change in its existing stance. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi also shared the importance of public consensus during an official session at the Shangri-La Dialogue, stating, "Japan is prepared to further expand cooperation with South Korea, but I believe such progress must receive the support of the South Korean people."

[Transfer of Wartime Operational Control and Acquisition of Nuclear-Powered Submarines]

Taking advantage of this conference, Minister Ahn also met with a delegation from the U.S. Congress to provide a detailed explanation regarding the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON). He expressed strong confidence in the South Korean military's command and operational capabilities, stating, "I explained to the U.S. side that preparations have been made to the extent that there would be no issues even if the OPCON were to be transferred tomorrow."

In particular, Minister Ahn noted, "South Korea and the United States have previously agreed that 94% of the conditions for the OPCON transfer were fulfilled by 2020." This remark is drawing attention, as the fulfillment rate of the OPCON transfer conditions is not usually disclosed to the public. The OPCON transfer is a major future task in South Korea-U.S. security cooperation, directly linked to establishing a system where the South Korean military can independently command military operations during wartime.

Regarding the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, he stated, "Close consultations are ongoing between South Korea and the United States, and we plan to resolve specific tasks one by one through working-level consultations starting next week."

In the wake of the Shangri-La Dialogue, major security issues that could impact the Northeast Asian security landscape have resurfaced, including discussions on expanding South Korea-Japan military cooperation, the OPCON transfer, and the pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines.