Seoul Seeks to Jump-Start US Talks on Civil Nuclear Enrichment and Reprocessing
South Korea aims to revive stalled negotiations with the United States over civilian uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing by stressing energy security, non-proliferation compliance and its strategic value to the alliance.
During a 2025 summit, the United States publicly endorsed South Korea’s civilian uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing, but translating that pledge into a binding amendment to the 123 Agreement has stalled since June 2026. The slowdown stems from broader US-Korea economic tensions, a high-profile data-leak probe involving a US-listed firm, and Washington’s preoccupation with other nuclear negotiations and a controversial Saudi cooperation deal.
To move forward, Seoul should tie its enrichment goals to the fuel needs of its newly approved nuclear-submarine fleet while maintaining strict legal separations between civilian and military uses. Emphasising its long-standing adherence to the IAEA Additional Protocol and offering even tighter safeguards could reassure US policymakers. Clear communication that enrichment serves only commercial power and waste-management purposes, not weapons development, is also essential. By leveraging these arguments, South Korea hopes to convert the 2025 political commitment into a functional framework that strengthens the bilateral nuclear partnership.
Why it matters
Reviving the talks would give South Korea greater energy independence and reinforce the US-Korea nuclear security alliance.
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