South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun Commits to Dialogue and Submarine Talks
Updated (2 articles)
Cho Hyun Announces Dialogue Initiative at U.S. Parliamentarians Event Cho Hyun delivered a keynote address on 22 December 2025 at a South Korea‑U.S. Parliamentarians Union gathering, pledging that Seoul will pursue peace on the Korean Peninsula through direct dialogue with Pyongyang and other relevant nations [1]. He framed the pledge as a continuation of diplomatic momentum generated by recent high‑level meetings. The statement emphasized that dialogue will be pursued alongside a robust deterrence posture.
Two Korea‑U.S. Summits Provide Framework for Peace Efforts The foreign minister cited the August and October 2025 Korea‑U.S. summits, noting that they produced a joint fact sheet that outlines shared security and cooperation goals [1]. He described the summits as a “foundation” for building lasting peace and for negotiating the detailed commitments contained in the fact sheet. The reference to both summits underscores their role as reference points for future policy actions.
Joint Fact Sheet Covers Civil Nuclear and Submarine Programs The joint fact sheet includes provisions for civil uranium enrichment and spent‑fuel reprocessing intended for peaceful energy uses [1]. It also records U.S. approval for Seoul’s pursuit of nuclear‑powered submarines, linking energy cooperation with advanced defense technology. These dual tracks signal deeper integration of civilian and military collaboration between the two allies.
Deterrence Strengthened While Pursuing Diplomatic Channels Cho stressed that South Korea must bolster its deterrence capabilities to counter any threats while simultaneously opening diplomatic channels with the North [1]. He presented this dual‑track approach as essential for maintaining security credibility and for enabling constructive engagement. The emphasis on “swift and proper” negotiation of the fact sheet reflects urgency in aligning deterrence with dialogue.
Next-Year Talks Planned to Advance Submarine and Enrichment Projects Cho announced that Seoul will hold talks with Washington in 2026 to move forward on the nuclear submarine program and uranium enrichment initiatives [1]. These discussions aim to translate the joint fact sheet’s provisions into concrete projects and timelines. The forward‑looking schedule signals a commitment to sustain momentum from the 2025 summits.
Timeline
August 2025 – South Korean President holds the first Korea‑U.S. summit, establishing a foundation for later security and energy cooperation that Foreign Minister Cho later cites as a basis for peace dialogue [1].
October 2025 – The second Korea‑U.S. summit finalizes a joint fact sheet that endorses civil uranium enrichment, spent‑fuel reprocessing, and U.S. approval of Seoul’s nuclear‑powered submarine program, creating a reference point for future negotiations [1].
Nov 13, 2025 – The U.S.–South Korea joint fact sheet is released, outlining a deterrence strategy that pairs U.S. backing of nuclear‑powered submarines with South Korea’s pledge to raise defense spending to 3.5 % of GDP and confirming U.S. support for peaceful nuclear capabilities [2].
Dec 3, 2025 – In a video address to a Washington forum hosted by CSIS and the Korea Foundation, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun says, “deterrence alone is insufficient,” and urges diplomatic engagement to prevent inadvertent conflict and restore dialogue with Pyongyang [2].
Dec 22, 2025 – Speaking at a South Korea‑U.S. Parliamentarians Union event, Cho pledges that “peace on the Korean Peninsula should be pursued through dialogue with Pyongyang and other relevant nations,” while emphasizing a dual‑track approach of bolstering deterrence and opening diplomatic channels [1].
2026 (planned) – Seoul will hold talks with Washington to advance the nuclear‑powered submarine program and civilian uranium enrichment, building on the joint fact sheet commitments and aiming to solidify both defense and energy cooperation [1].