South Korea and United States Set Parallel 2026 Talks on Nuclear Enrichment, Reprocessing, Submarines
Updated (2 articles)
Coordinated working‑level talks slated for early 2026 South Korea and the United States will begin simultaneous discussions next year to implement the commitments made at their recent summits, National Security Adviser Wi Sung‑lac announced after meetings in Washington [1][2]. The talks will launch all at once, with no single issue given priority, reflecting a coordinated diplomatic approach. Wi stressed that the parallel schedule aims to preserve momentum from the August and October summit outcomes.
Uranium enrichment, spent‑fuel reprocessing, and submarine program on agenda The upcoming dialogues will focus on three core areas: civil uranium enrichment, spent‑fuel reprocessing for peaceful uses, and the development of nuclear‑powered submarines [1][2]. Separate task forces have been created in Seoul to prepare for the submarine and uranium tracks, ensuring issue‑specific expertise. The allies also plan to sign a Section 91‑based agreement permitting the transfer of nuclear material for military purposes to support South Korea’s submarine construction.
Joint fact sheet outlines U.S. commitments and alliance momentum A joint fact sheet released after the summits details U.S. pledges to assist South Korea in civil uranium enrichment, spent‑fuel reprocessing, and the submarine program [1][2]. The alliance has been described as “exemplary,” and both sides intend to accelerate follow‑up actions. Wi will travel to Japan shortly thereafter to discuss trilateral cooperation with Japanese officials, linking the bilateral talks to the broader regional agenda.
Sources
-
1.
Yonhap: S. Korea, U.S. plan simultaneous talks next year on implementing summit agreements – Highlights Wi’s announcement of parallel working‑level talks, the formation of task forces, the Section 91 submarine agreement, and his upcoming Japan visit to discuss trilateral cooperation .
-
2.
Yonhap: S. Korea, U.S. to launch simultaneous discussions on summit deals next year – Mirrors the first report, emphasizing the coordinated push on uranium enrichment, reprocessing, and submarines, and cites the joint fact sheet that outlines U.S. commitments .
Timeline
Dec 20, 2025 – South Korea and the United States agree to launch simultaneous, working‑level discussions next year to implement the commitments made at their recent summits, covering civil uranium enrichment, spent‑fuel reprocessing and the development of nuclear‑powered submarines. Wi Sung‑lac says, “We will start all the talks at once,” signalling a coordinated diplomatic push. [2]
Dec 20, 2025 – Both capitals set up separate task forces – one for the submarine program and another for uranium enrichment – to prepare detailed proposals for the parallel talks, demonstrating a structured, issue‑specific approach. [2]
Dec 20, 2025 – The allies plan to sign a separate agreement under Section 91 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, which would allow the transfer of nuclear materials for military purposes and directly support Seoul’s nuclear‑submarine ambitions. [2]
Dec 20, 2025 – A joint fact sheet released after the August and October summits outlines U.S. commitments to civil uranium enrichment, peaceful spent‑fuel reprocessing and assistance for Korea’s nuclear‑submarine push, providing a concrete framework for the upcoming negotiations. [2]
Dec 21, 2025 – National Security Adviser Wi Sung‑lac announces he will travel to Japan to meet Foreign Minister Motegi, where they will discuss bilateral and trilateral cooperation with the United States and prepare the agenda for the upcoming Korea‑Japan summit in Japan. [1]
Dec 21, 2025 – Wi stresses that the U.S.–South Korea alliance “has been described as exemplary,” and says Seoul will “build on that momentum to accelerate follow‑up efforts,” underscoring the political importance of swiftly turning summit rhetoric into actionable programs. [1]