South Korea says 'actively' in talks with US over 'sensitive country' issue after list apparently takes effect

IANS April 15, 2025 186 views

South Korea is currently in active negotiations with the United States regarding its unexpected placement on the Department of Energy's Sensitive Countries List. The diplomatic tension centers on potential impacts to scientific and technological collaboration between the two allied nations. While the DOE claims the listing won't disrupt existing research partnerships, Seoul remains concerned about potential scrutiny. The foreign ministry is working to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels and expects the process to take additional time.

"We have been actively engaging in negotiations" - South Korean Foreign Ministry
Washington, April 15: South Korea is continuing to "actively" engage in negotiations with the United States to resolve the issue of its placement on the US Department of Energy (DOE)'s Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List (SCL), the foreign ministry said Tuesday.

Key Points

1

South Korea listed alongside North Korea, China, Russia

2

Negotiations ongoing at director-general level

3

DOE claims no impact on bilateral research

4

Designation raises bilateral tensions

The ministry issued the statement as the SCL appears to have come into force Tuesday. The DOE's inclusion of South Korea in the list's lowest category has emerged as a hot button issue in bilateral relations, Yonhap news agency reported.

"We have been actively engaging in negotiations, including working-level consultations at the director-general levels with the US Department of Energy, together with relevant ministries," the ministry said, recalling that the two sides have agreed to work out the issue "promptly through due procedures."

"However, as this matter is proceeding in accordance with the US internal procedures, we expect that more time will be needed," it said.

The DOE confirmed last month that the preceding Biden administration added South Korea to the SCL in early January -- a list that includes North Korea, China and Russia.

The designation has stoked concern it could affect science and technology cooperation between the allies. The listed countries are subject to stricter scrutiny when access is requested to DOE research institutions or other facilities for technology cooperation or other purposes.

The ministry cited the DOE reaffirming that the designation "will not affect bilateral cooperation in ongoing or future research and development."

Multiple sources in Washington said Seoul has not been informed of any DOE decision to reverse the listing before the designation took effect this week, signaling South Korea is now included in the SCL.

Reader Comments

J
James K.
This seems like an unnecessary diplomatic headache. South Korea is one of our closest allies - why put them on the same list as North Korea? 🤔 Hope they resolve this quickly.
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Sarah L.
As someone working in tech cooperation between US and SK, this is concerning. The bureaucracy could slow down important research projects. The reassurance from DOE is good but we need concrete actions.
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Michael T.
Maybe there's more to this than meets the eye? The article mentions this was a Biden admin decision from January. Wonder what intelligence led to this classification.
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Aisha P.
Respectful criticism here - the US needs to be more transparent about these decisions. Our allies deserve clear explanations, not just bureaucratic processes. This affects real scientific collaboration.
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David H.
South Korea's semiconductor industry is world-class. This could backfire if it limits knowledge sharing. The US should be careful not to alienate key tech partners.
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Emma J.
Glad to see both sides are talking about this. Diplomatic solutions take time, but the relationship is strong enough to handle this bump in the road. 🇺🇸🤝🇰🇷

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Tags:
South Korea US Diplomacy Department of Energy Sensitive Countries List Bilateral Relations Technology Cooperation
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