South Korea-US sovereignty dispute over DMZ

Controversy arose following remarks by Javier Brunson, Commander of the United Nations Command and ROK-US Combined Forces Command, regarding South Korean territorial sovereignty. During a seminar in Washington, D.C., Brunson stated that from the perspective of the UN Command, the Republic of Korea begins at the southern fence line of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), citing the command's responsibility to maintain the armistice.

These comments drew sharp criticism from South Korean military and political leaders, who argued the statement undermines constitutional sovereignty over territory within the DMZ. While the UN Command clarified the remarks were intended to explain military and administrative responsibilities under the Armistice Agreement, the South Korean government responded with formal protests.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun summoned U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel to convey the government's position. The dispute was further complicated by Brunson’s descriptions of South Korea as a ‘dagger toward China’ and his discussions regarding new standards for the transfer of wartime operational control. Despite the described ‘turbulence’ in the relationship, officials noted that fundamental military cooperation remains intact.