U.S. envoy reaffirms denuclearization despite NSS omission Acting U.S. Ambassador Kevin Kim told South Korean officials that complete denuclearization of North Korea remains the shared policy of the two allies, even though the latest National Security Strategy does not mention Pyongyang [1][2]. He made the statement after meeting First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon‑joo in Seoul on Dec 8, 2025, emphasizing continuity of the bilateral security agenda. The remark underscores Washington’s intent to keep denuclearization on the diplomatic table regardless of document wording.

New National Security Strategy excludes any North Korea language The Trump‑era NSS released earlier that week contains no reference to North Korea, marking a break from the 2017 and 2022 versions that explicitly addressed the regime [1][2]. Analysts note the omission could signal a shift in prioritization or a strategic recalibration toward broader regional concerns. Both Yonhap reports highlight the contrast and the questions it raises among policymakers in Seoul.

Joint fact sheet from recent summits reiterates denuclearization pledge The August and October summit fact sheet between the U.S. and South Korean presidents lists commitments on trade, investment, security cooperation, and explicitly restates the goal of a nuclear‑free Korean Peninsula [1][2]. Kim cited this document to demonstrate that the omission in the NSS does not alter the substantive bilateral agreement. The fact sheet serves as the operative reference for ongoing diplomatic engagement.

Talks continue on joint drills and nuclear‑energy agreement revisions Kim and Park discussed coordination on joint military exercises, with Seoul urging adjustments that could be used as leverage for dialogue with Pyongyang [1][2]. Simultaneously, both sides are negotiating revisions to the nuclear‑energy pact to permit South Korea to enrich uranium and reprocess spent fuel for peaceful purposes, subject to U.S. legal constraints [1][2]. These parallel tracks illustrate the multifaceted nature of the U.S.–South Korea alliance.