Washington: The previous Biden administration placed South Korea in the "lowest" category of the U.S. Energy Department's "sensitive and other designated countries list (SCL)" in early January. The department's spokesperson confirmed that no new restrictions have been imposed on the Asian ally since then.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the spokesperson addressed concerns regarding the potential impact of this categorization on South Korea's participation in U.S. research on advanced technologies such as atomic energy, artificial intelligence, or quantum technology. The addition to the SCL is set to take effect on April 15, but the spokesperson assured that there are currently no new restrictions on bilateral science and technology cooperation with the Republic of Korea (ROK).
The U.S. Energy Department emphasized its continued collaboration with South Korea to advance mutual interests. Meanwhile, Seoul has been engaging in consultations with Washington to prevent the official addition of South Korea to the SCL.