Some Departments of the U.S. Department of Energy Appear to Be Taking Related Actions
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), which is responsible for energy, nuclear, and atomic policy-related matters, is reportedly showing signs of considering classifying South Korea as a "Sensitive Country."
According to diplomatic sources on the 10th, the DOE appears to be in the stage of gathering opinions from affiliated research institutes regarding the plan to classify South Korea as a Sensitive Country starting from the 15th of next month. There are also reports that an official letter sent to research institutions includes a plan to newly add four countries, including South Korea, to the Sensitive Country list. Existing Sensitive Countries include China, Russia, Syria, and North Korea.
According to the DOE website, a Sensitive Country is a nation requiring special consideration for policy reasons. Countries can be included on the Sensitive Country list due to national security, nuclear non-proliferation, regional instability, economic security threats, or support for terrorism. This list is managed by intelligence agencies under the DOE, such as the Office of Counterintelligence (OICI).
Researchers from Sensitive Countries must undergo stricter certification procedures to work at DOE-related facilities or research institutions and to participate in related research. Consequently, if these regulations are implemented, it may become more difficult for Korean researchers to engage in advanced technology research related to nuclear energy, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, and others at U.S. national research institutions and universities.
There is also a cautiously optimistic view that the U.S., which needs advanced technology cooperation with South Korea, will not easily take measures that could hinder such collaboration. It is observed that this is only an issue under consideration by some parts of the DOE, not finalized, and that many procedures remain before it becomes official.
There is much speculation about the background behind the U.S. showing signs of classifying South Korea as a Sensitive Country. Some analysts interpret it as a warning in response to the increasingly active nuclear armament discourse in South Korean politics since the inauguration of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, it appears that the U.S. government has not shared any information regarding this matter with the South Korean government.
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