South Korea Launches Interagency Team to Prepare U.S. Nuclear Cooperation Talks
Updated (2 articles)
Interagency task force convened with broad ministerial representation On 9 January 2026, South Korea created a closed‑door consultative group to coordinate upcoming negotiations with the United States on civil uranium enrichment and spent‑fuel reprocessing. The team is chaired by Rim Kap‑soo, the foreign‑ministry representative for nuclear cooperation, and includes officials from the ministries of Science and ICT, Climate, Energy and Environment, Trade, Industry and Energy, plus the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, KAERI, KHNP and KINAC [1][2].
Objective to amend the 123 Agreement for standing approvals Seoul aims to revise its 123 nuclear‑cooperation pact so that low‑level enrichment (below 20 % U‑235) and spent‑fuel reprocessing can proceed with a standing prior U.S. consent rather than case‑by‑case written approvals. The amendment would lock in a reliable fuel supply for the country’s commercial reactors and reduce dependence on ad‑hoc arrangements [1][2].
U.S. summit document signals backing of peaceful enrichment A joint fact sheet released after the October 2025 Korea‑U.S. summit commits Washington to support South Korea’s pursuit of civil enrichment and reprocessing, marking a policy shift toward broader bilateral cooperation in the civilian nuclear sector [2].
First round of negotiations slated, schedule still fluid Officials say the two sides are discussing a timetable for the initial negotiation round, while the interagency task force will hold director‑general‑level meetings and working‑level consultations in phases to prepare substantive positions. Exact dates and negotiation scope remain undecided [1][2].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: South Korea Forms Interagency Team for U.S. Talks on Civil Uranium Enrichment and Spent Fuel Reprocessing – Details the composition of the new task force, Rim Kap‑soo’s chairmanship, and the coordinated whole‑of‑government approach .
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2.
Yonhap: South Korea Forms Interagency Team for U.S. Talks on Civil Uranium Enrichment and Spent Fuel Reprocessing – Highlights the U.S. summit’s commitment to support peaceful enrichment, the goal of amending the 123 Agreement, and the early‑stage status of negotiation planning .
Timeline
Oct 2025 – At the Korea‑U.S. summit, a joint fact sheet commits Washington to back Seoul’s pursuit of civil uranium enrichment and spent‑fuel reprocessing, marking a policy shift that clears the path for formal negotiations on expanding Korea’s civilian nuclear program. [2]
Jan 9, 2026 – South Korea launches an interagency consultative group to coordinate upcoming talks with the United States on civilian enrichment and reprocessing, signalling a whole‑of‑government approach to nuclear‑energy policy. [1][2]
Jan 9, 2026 – Rim Kap‑soo chairs the inaugural closed‑door session, bringing together the foreign ministry, the ministries of Science and ICT, Climate, Energy and Environment, Trade, Industry and Energy, plus the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, KAERI, KHNP and KINAC, underscoring the cross‑cutting technical and diplomatic stakes. [1][2]
Jan 9, 2026 – The task force states its objective to revise the 123 Agreement so that low‑level enrichment (below 20 % U‑235) and spent‑fuel reprocessing receive standing prior U.S. approval, aiming to secure a reliable fuel supply for Korea’s commercial reactors. [1][2]
Jan 9, 2026 – The foreign ministry pledges regular director‑general‑level meetings and phased working‑level consultations, ensuring sustained coordination across ministries as negotiations progress. [1]
Jan 9, 2026 – Officials indicate that the first round of U.S.–Korea negotiations on the pact revision is under discussion, though details remain unsettled, highlighting the early stage of a potentially transformative bilateral nuclear arrangement. [1][2]