The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has recently classified South Korea as a “sensitive country,” a label usually reserved for nations that pose security or nuclear risks. This decision, which was reportedly made in January under the Biden administration, came as a shock to South Korean officials, who only learned about it through media reports.
The sensitive country list, maintained by the DOE’s counterintelligence unit, includes countries such as Russia, China, and Iran. South Korea, a long-time ally of the U.S., being placed on the same list has raised concerns. The designation will officially take effect by April 15, according to local reports.
While the DOE stated that this label does not mean South Korea is an adversary, it does introduce new layers of scrutiny. American personnel and South Korean researchers may now face additional restrictions when collaborating on sensitive technologies, including nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
Fallout in Scientific and Military Sectors
One major area that could be affected is nuclear cooperation. South Korea has one of the world’s most advanced civilian nuclear programs, supplying nearly 30% of its electricity through 26 reactors. The country also exports nuclear reactors, making it a key player in the global energy market.
With this new classification, South Korean researchers could face greater difficulties in working with U.S. counterparts. Scientists attempting to visit DOE research facilities might be subjected to stricter screenings, which could slow down projects involving nuclear technology. Some fear that South Korea’s ambitions to develop advanced reactors, such as small modular reactors, could also be impacted.
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In addition, an ongoing legal battle between South Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and U.S.-based Westinghouse has highlighted the tensions surrounding intellectual property. Westinghouse had sued the Korean company over alleged violations of nuclear technology patents. Although the dispute was settled earlier this year, experts believe that concerns over the country’s growing nuclear market share may have influenced the DOE’s decision to designate it as “sensitive country”
Another possible reason behind the move is the domestic debate on nuclear armament. Some leaders have openly discussed the possibility of developing their own nuclear weapons due to concerns about North Korea’s threats and uncertainty over U.S. military support. Even though the country is committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, U.S. officials may be wary of the increasing public support for an independent nuclear program.
Strained Relations Between Allies
The news has unsettled many South Korean politicians, who view the decision as an unexpected setback in the 70-year U.S.-South Korea alliance. The country has long been a key security partner for the U.S., hosting thousands of American troops and working closely on military defense strategies against North Korea.
While the DOE has stated that the designation does not prohibit cooperation, it does suggest growing U.S. concerns about its nuclear ambitions. Some experts believe that the U.S. is wary of its push to gain more control over nuclear fuel reprocessing, a process that could be used to develop nuclear weapons.
In addition, the designation could affect South Korea’s ability to negotiate nuclear export deals. The country has been expanding its reactor exports to nations like Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic, but it still relies on U.S. technology for some aspects of these projects. If the U.S. government imposes further restrictions, it could limit South Korea’s ability to compete in the international nuclear market.
For now, South Korean officials are scrambling for answers and seeking clarifications from Washington. However, with the designation set to be finalized soon, the long-term impact on scientific, military, and nuclear cooperation between the two nations remains uncertain.
