Are South Korea and the US Maintaining Close Cooperation on North Korea Issues?
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Synopsis
In a significant diplomatic development, acting US Ambassador Kevin Kim announced that South Korea and the US are strengthening their partnership on North Korea issues. As they seek regular policy coordination meetings, the focus remains on denuclearization and enhancing inter-Korean dialogue. What does this mean for future relations?
Key Takeaways
- Close partnership between the US and South Korea on North Korea issues is reaffirmed.
- Discussions are underway for regular meetings to align policies.
- Commitment to complete denuclearization remains a priority.
- Joint military exercises are deemed essential for regional security.
- Negotiations around nuclear energy capabilities are ongoing.
Seoul, Dec 10 (NationPress) The United States and South Korea are upholding a strong partnership regarding all matters related to North Korea, as expressed by acting US Ambassador to Seoul, Kevin Kim, on Wednesday. The two allies are working towards establishing a regular meeting to synchronize their policies concerning the North.
Kim's statement followed his discussion with Jeong Yeon-doo, head of the office of strategy and intelligence at the Foreign Ministry, focusing on the policies of Seoul and Washington regarding North Korea.
"The coordination between the United States and Korea on all issues is highly effective, as always, and we maintain a very close partnership on North Korean matters," Kim remarked when questioned about the potential formation of a task force on North Korean policy, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
However, he refrained from commenting on whether the US has concerns regarding Lee's objective of achieving a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.
The two nations are currently in discussions to arrange regular meetings to align their policies on North Korea, especially as the Lee Jae Myung administration aims to rebuild relationships with the North and resume inter-Korean dialogue.
Last month, Jeong was appointed to a vice-ministerial role focusing on intelligence and North Korea's nuclear issues.
On December 8, a US envoy reiterated that the goal of complete denuclearization of North Korea remains a shared policy with South Korea. This affirmation came after a new US security strategy document omitted this key phrase.
Ambassador Kim made this comment following his meeting with Park Yoon-joo, First Vice Foreign Minister, shortly after the Trump administration unveiled its latest National Security Strategy (NSS).
This document notably lacks any mention of North Korea and does not reaffirm the US commitment to its denuclearization, a departure from the versions released in 2017 and 2022, raising concerns about the potential sidelining of North Korean issues.
“President Trump and President Lee (Jae Myung) reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in the joint fact sheet,” Kim stated, addressing inquiries regarding the NSS and referencing the recently released joint summit document.
“That is our current policy regarding Korea,” he added.
Kim indicated that North Korean matters were part of the discussions held with Park, including strategies for optimal coordination on related and other pressing issues.
He also highlighted that Seoul has reiterated the significance of joint military exercise coordination, especially in light of increasing calls within South Korea to modify drills with the US as a means to encourage dialogue with Pyongyang.
“Defense Minister Ahn previously emphasized the essential nature of coordinating joint military exercises. He described them as a lifeline for military operations. That is our expectation moving forward,” Kim elaborated.
When asked about the possibility of revising the nuclear energy agreement to permit Seoul to enrich uranium and reprocess spent fuel, the envoy confirmed that both parties are “still in discussions.”
“We will do our utmost to implement the joint fact sheet,” Kim affirmed.
This joint fact sheet outlines commitments related to trade, investment, security, and other matters agreed upon during the recent summits between President Lee and US President Trump in August and October.
Within this document, the US endorses the process leading to South Korea's civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful purposes, consistent with their existing bilateral nuclear energy agreement and subject to US legal stipulations.
In the recent high-level discussions in Washington, Seoul and Washington consented to initiate working groups for follow-up conversations regarding the joint fact sheet.
Point of View
The ongoing collaboration between South Korea and the United States on North Korean issues is not just a diplomatic necessity but a crucial strategy for regional security. As both nations navigate the complexities of denuclearization and inter-Korean relations, their commitment to close cooperation is essential for stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of US-South Korea relations regarding North Korea?
The US and South Korea are maintaining a very close partnership on North Korea-related issues, focusing on policy coordination and the goal of complete denuclearization.
What recent diplomatic actions have taken place between the US and South Korea?
Acting US Ambassador Kevin Kim met with South Korean officials to discuss their joint policies, and they are considering regular meetings to enhance coordination.
What is the significance of the joint fact sheet mentioned in the discussions?
The joint fact sheet outlines commitments on trade, investment, and security made during recent summits, emphasizing the shared goal of denuclearization.
How is the US responding to South Korea's nuclear energy ambitions?
The US is in discussions regarding the potential revision of the nuclear energy pact to allow South Korea to enrich uranium and reprocess spent fuel for peaceful purposes.
Why is coordination on military exercises emphasized in the talks?
Coordination on joint military exercises is viewed as crucial for maintaining military readiness and as a strategic tool to encourage dialogue with North Korea.
