Seoul: South Korean nuclear energy experts on Saturday raised concerns that Washington's recent designation of Seoul as a "sensitive country" could hamper future bilateral cooperation and disrupt ongoing projects in the field.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) placed South Korea in the "lowest" category of its "sensitive and other designated countries list (SCL)" in early January. This decision was made at the end of the previous Joe Biden administration. Although the DOE stated that the designation does not prohibit scientific or technical cooperation, South Korean experts fear it could weaken long-standing industry ties between the two allies, potentially impacting Seoul's nuclear industry.
Yun Jong-il, a professor of nuclear engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), expressed concerns that the designation could become "a major obstacle" to nuclear energy cooperation between the two countries, affecting both governmental and private-sector collaborations. He noted that South Korea and the U.S. have actively engaged in international joint research in nuclear technology, particularly in its peaceful applications. Yun warned that the designation could present challenges to existing projects and future cooperation.
The professor also highlighted potential restrictions on researchers who have previously engaged in academic and industrial exchanges without special approvals, which could discourage interaction at personal and institutional levels. Yun further noted that private-sector nuclear energy projects may experience setbacks, emphasizing that South Korean firms, such as SK Group and Doosan Enerbility, have made significant investments in the U.S. nuclear sector.
Yun speculated that the U.S. decision may have been influenced by recent discussions in South Korea's political circles about nuclear armament. He suggested that the government needs to clearly communicate its stance on nonproliferation to the U.S. and work on diplomatic solutions.
Some experts believe the SCL designation is not irreversible. They suggest that diplomatic dialogue and stabilization of political rhetoric surrounding nuclear armament could lead to South Korea's removal from the DOE list. Lee Jae-Gi, professor emeritus of nuclear engineering at Hanyang University, noted that the DOE's designation differs from the official classifications of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), indicating the situation remains fluid.
Lee assessed that the shifting geopolitical landscape has led to increased debate on the issue, with U.S. President Donald Trump's request for Seoul to increase its share in bilateral defense cost-sharing possibly contributing to the discussions over Seoul's nuclear armament. He suggested that if South Korea's domestic political situation stabilizes, there is potential for the country to be removed from the list.
A senior nuclear energy industry official emphasized the importance of transparency in nuclear nonproliferation and export controls for South Korea. The official, who requested anonymity, acknowledged that the designation is not ideal but stated that various solutions would be explored to address the challenges ahead. He stressed that reinforcing credibility and commitment to nonproliferation would be crucial for overcoming these challenges.
Experts emphasized the importance of proactive diplomacy by South Korea to prevent potential fallout from the listing. Yun highlighted the need for the South Korean government to communicate clearly with the U.S. to ensure that the designation does not lead to a breakdown in collaboration. He further emphasized that the potential weakening of ongoing nuclear cooperation would not only be a loss for South Korea but also for the U.S., which has benefited from strong industry and research ties with Seoul.