South Koreas Wartime Operational Control Transfer Debate: From an Organizational Perspective

Abstract

President Roh Moo-hyuns suggestion to have the Wartime Operational Control transfer from the U.S. to Korea caused a heated debate from 2005. The senior military elites gathered to systematically oppose the decision. Eventually, the decision was delayed twice from 2012 to 2015, and to 2020s. Why were the senior military elites so against the transfer? This research introduces a theoretical perspective that combines existing theories in organization studies, decision-making studies, psychology and security studies, and includes in-depth interviews as part of answering the question. Military change is not easy for a large organization, a bureaucratic organization, and a unique organization that has a special mission to win in wars.