Presidential National Security Adviser Wi Sung-rak has denied media reports suggesting that South Korea may use the issue of regaining wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States as leverage in ongoing tariff negotiations with Washington.

Speaking to KBS on Sunday, Wi stated that while some media outlets have claimed that Seoul and Washington have initiated OPCON discussions, no such talks have taken place, and the issue is not being used as a negotiation tool.

He said that OPCON transfer remains a long-standing objective for South Korea and that the situation has not changed.

Wi emphasized that the OPCON transfer is a complex matter involving numerous factors, and no previous administration has opposed pursuing it. He reaffirmed that South Korea should remain committed to this course.

Wi stressed that the government is handling the OPCON transfer issue with caution, weighing all relevant considerations and prioritizing national security. He reiterated that the issue is not, and should never be, used as a bargaining chip.

Earlier reports claimed that President Lee Jae-myung had raised the issue of OPCON transfer during a recent National Security Council meeting, prompting speculation that it was being discussed in the context of tariff negotiations with the United States.

In response, the presidential office clarified that the transfer of wartime operational control has been an ongoing matter between South Korea and the United States and is not a newly emerging issue.

The top office added that the transfer remains a key pledge of the Lee administration, which will maintain close communication with Washington on the matter.