US Finally Enforces 'Korean Sensitive Country' Status... Government Helpless Amid 'Diplomatic Disaster'

The U.S. government's designation of South Korea as a "sensitive country" will take effect on the 15th. The government, which had not even grasped the situation until about a month ago when domestic media reported the fact, has belatedly started communicating with the U.S. side and responding, but failed to prevent the sensitive country designation, leading to criticism as a "diplomatic fiasco."

On the 24th, at the National Assembly, Cho Tae-yeol, Minister of Foreign Affairs, is responding to lawmakers' questions during the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary session held to address issues related to the U.S. Department of Energy designating Korea as a sensitive country. March 24, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated regarding the U.S. government's "sensitive country" designation taking effect on this day, "At the meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Energy on the 20th of last month, we agreed to cooperate promptly to resolve the issue according to procedures," adding, "We are continuing active negotiations with the U.S. Department of Energy through director-level working-level consultations along with related ministries." However, the official added, "This matter is proceeding according to internal U.S. procedures, so it seems more time will be needed," and "At a recent director-level working meeting between the two countries, the U.S. Department of Energy reaffirmed that the sensitive country designation will not affect ongoing or future Korea-U.S. research and development (R&D) cooperation."

It remains a mystery why the U.S. classified South Korea, a non-nuclear state and a country sharing over 70 years of alliance history, as a sensitive country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the U.S. side cited "security issues," but no specific cases have been revealed. Following the sudden imposition of martial law on December 3rd last year without prior sharing with the U.S., there remains a view that the recently raised "nuclear armament theory" in some political circles served as the basis. It is expected to take considerable time before this measure is lifted.