South Korea protests US Commander's remarks on DMZ sovereignty

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has expressed formal protest to the United States regarding recent controversial remarks made by General Xavier Brunson, the Commander of United States Forces Korea (USFK). During a National Assembly audit, Cho confirmed that he summoned U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel to convey the government's position.

The controversy stems from comments made by General Brunson, who also serves as the Commander of the United Nations Command, during a seminar in the United States on October 14. Brunson stated that from the perspective of the UN Command, the Republic of Korea begins at the southern fence of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This assertion has sparked debate over South Korean sovereignty, as territory north of the Southern Limit Line, including areas within the DMZ, is recognized as South Korean sovereign land.

In addition to the DMZ comments, Brunson reportedly described South Korea as a ‘dagger toward China’ and discussed potential changes to the conditions for the transfer of wartime operational control. Minister Cho emphasized that while the U.S.-ROK relationship may be experiencing a period of ‘turbulence’—a term used by Ambassador Steel—the fundamental military cooperation remains intact and claims of a breakdown in relations are unfounded.