S. Korea, U.S. agree to hold key defense talks after midterm elections: sources

What happened: South Korea and the United States agreed to delay their annual Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), typically held in early November, until after the U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 3. Washington is due to host this year's SCM. Key numbers: U.S. midterm elections slated for Nov. Why it matters: The delay comes amid a perceived gap over the timing of the U.S. handover of wartime operational control. Reports say Washington holds that Seoul is not ready for FOC certification, weighing on Seoul's push to accelerate the transition.

South Korea and the United States agreed to delay their annual Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), typically held in early November, until after the U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 3. Washington is due to host this year's SCM.

The delay comes amid a perceived gap over the timing of the U.S. handover of wartime operational control. Reports say Washington holds that Seoul is not ready for FOC certification, weighing on Seoul's push to accelerate the transition.