The South Korean government is making urgent efforts to secure an exemption from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) list of sensitive countries, a designation that could weaken bilateral cooperation in energy and science sectors. The classification, set to take effect on April 15, has raised concerns over diplomatic coordination between the two allies.
High-Level Diplomatic Efforts Underway
On March 18, Acting President Choi Sang-mok convened a high-level meeting with vice ministers from the foreign, industry, and science ministries to assess the situation and discuss response measures. Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geunis expected to travel to Washington later this week to meet with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, where he will formally request South Korea’s removal from the list.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also intensified diplomatic efforts, engaging with relevant U.S. agencies to ensure the listing does not impact ongoing cooperation in science and technology. However, officials acknowledge that overturning the decision may be challenging, given its security-related nature.
Possible Security Concerns Behind the Listing
While the U.S. government has not explicitly detailed the reasons for South Korea’s designation, speculation has emerged regarding a potential security breach involving a South Korean subcontractor at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), a DOE-affiliated facility. Reports suggest that the individual was terminated after allegedly attempting to leave the U.S. with export-controlled nuclear reactor design software. The incident was included in a DOE report submitted to Congress, covering the period from October 2023 to March 2024.
Despite this, analysts argue that a single security incident is unlikely to be the sole basis for such a designation, which typically results from prolonged assessments of broader security trends. Some experts believe that growing discussions in South Korea regarding the potential development of nuclear weapons may have contributed to the decision.
Historical Precedent and Challenges Ahead
This is not the first time South Korea has been placed on the DOE’s sensitive country list. The U.S. previously designated South Korea in 1981, with the classification only lifted in 1994 after extensive negotiations. Experts warn that reversing this latest designation could take considerable time.
“This decision was made in the final weeks of the Biden administration, but efforts to overturn it must now be negotiated with the Trump administration, which may choose to use it as diplomatic leverage in broader discussions,” said Professor Park Won-gon of Ewha Womans University.
South Korea’s Diplomatic Position
The foreign ministry has refrained from confirming whether the INL case directly influenced the designation or providing details on the broader implications. Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong stated that the government is in active consultations with Washington to resolve the issue but declined to comment on how South Korea’s inclusion compares to that of other nations.
The classification is particularly unusual for a key U.S. ally, as the DOE’s sensitive country list primarily includes states such as China, Iran, and North Korea. South Korea now faces the challenge of navigating diplomatic channelsto prevent disruptions in energy and technological cooperation, while ensuring continued bilateral trust with Washington.
