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South Korea and U.S. Energy Leaders Agree to Fast‑Track Nuclear Enrichment, Reprocessing, and Submarine Program

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  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Feb. 3, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Feb. 3, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Feb. 3, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size

Cho Hyun and Wright Meet to Advance Nuclear Cooperation South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Washington on February 4, 2026, reaffirming the urgency of civil uranium enrichment, spent‑fuel reprocessing, and acquisition of nuclear‑powered submarines [1]. The foreign ministries released a joint statement confirming the leaders’ commitment to accelerate these projects [1]. Both officials stressed that rapid, concrete steps are essential to meet shared strategic goals [1].

Joint Fact Sheet Links Recent Summits to New Agreements The discussion referenced a joint fact sheet issued in November that records trade and security commitments from the August and October summits between President Lee Jae Myung and President Donald Trump [1]. The sheet outlines the framework for cooperation on enrichment, reprocessing, and submarine development [1]. It serves as the official baseline for the February meeting’s action plan [1].

U.S. Gives Explicit Backing for Submarine and Fuel Plans The fact sheet documents U.S. approval for South Korea to build nuclear‑powered attack submarines [1]. It also confirms U.S. support for a process enabling civil uranium enrichment and peaceful spent‑fuel reprocessing [1]. This endorsement marks a significant expansion of the bilateral strategic nuclear partnership [1].

Both Governments Promise Rapid Working‑Level Consultations The ministries pledged swift, concrete progress through earnest working‑level consultations on enrichment, reprocessing, and submarine collaboration [1]. They agreed to maintain close communication to promote civil nuclear energy cooperation and explore joint business opportunities in third‑country markets [1]. Cho Hyun expressed expectations of an expanded strategic nuclear partnership, while Wright committed to actively assist in achieving tangible results [1].

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Timeline

Aug 2025 – President Lee Jae Myung and President Donald Trump hold a summit that sets the foundation for deeper U.S.–South Korea nuclear cooperation, later referenced in joint fact sheets as the basis for civil uranium enrichment and submarine collaboration [1].

Oct 2025 – The leaders reconvene in a second summit, reinforcing commitments on trade, security, and a strategic nuclear partnership that includes plans for nuclear‑powered attack submarines [1].

Nov 14 2025 – The United States and South Korea publish a joint fact sheet outlining concrete commitments: support for Seoul’s civil uranium enrichment up to 20 % and spent‑fuel reprocessing, approval for nuclear‑powered submarines, and a roadmap for sectoral working groups [4][5].

Dec 1 2025 – First Vice‑Foreign Minister Park Yoon‑joo meets U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Washington and agrees to launch sector‑specific working groups to implement the summit accords, including nuclear‑energy and submarine projects [4][5][6].

Dec 2 2025 – South Korea’s foreign ministry publicly urges Washington to begin formal civil uranium enrichment talks, emphasizing the need for swift action to enable peaceful enrichment and reprocessing under the 123 Agreement [6].

Dec 17 2025 – National Security Adviser Wi Sung‑lac meets U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, discussing concrete steps for civil uranium enrichment, spent‑fuel reprocessing, and a U.S. Section 91 exception that would allow nuclear material transfer for submarine propulsion [3].

Dec 18 2025 – Wi reports progress in senior‑level U.S. talks, confirming accelerated follow‑up measures on the summit agreements and announcing his upcoming trip to New York to meet UN officials on North‑Korea and the Korean Peninsula [2].

Feb 4 2026 – South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright reaffirm the urgency of advancing civil uranium enrichment, spent‑fuel reprocessing, and nuclear‑powered submarine construction, pledging “swift, concrete progress” and exploring joint business opportunities in third‑country markets [1].

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