South Korea and US Reach Broad Agreement on Uranium Enrichment and Reprocessing... Set to Revise Nuclear Cooperation Pact for First Time in 10 Years

South Korea and the United States are set to revise their "Nuclear Cooperation Agreement" for the first time in ten years since 2015. Although there are still ten years left until the agreement expires, this revision process aims to reflect the agreements reached last month during the Korea-US summit regarding South Korea's uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing.

President Lee Jae-myung is making an announcement on the settlement of the Korea-US fact sheet at the presidential office press conference hall in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 14th. From left to right: Kim Yongbeom, Chief of Policy Office; President Lee Jae-myung; Wi Seongrak, Director of National Security Office; Lee Gyuyun, Chief of Public Relations and Communication. 2025.11.14 Yonhap News Photo by Yonhap

The "Joint Fact Sheet" released simultaneously by both countries on the morning of November 14 states, "The United States supports the procedures that will lead to South Korea's civilian uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing for peaceful purposes, within the scope of the Korea-US Nuclear Cooperation Agreement and in compliance with US legal requirements."

Wi Seongrak, Director of the National Security Office at the presidential office, responded to questions about the subsequent steps, including the revision of the Korea-US Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, by saying, "We have received broad consent and the direction has been set. We will need to conduct follow-up consultations with the United States to adjust the existing agreement, but the extent of these adjustments will depend on future discussions."

The current Korea-US Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, last revised in 2015 after 41 years, is valid until 2035. The agreement restricts uranium enrichment to below 20 percent. However, the South Korean government has long sought to secure capabilities for commercial uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing. The United States had previously expressed reluctance due to nuclear non-proliferation concerns, but the recent summit agreement has paved the way for revision.

Suh Seong-rak, Director of the National Security Office, is answering questions after the final agreement announcement of President Lee Jae-myung's Korea-US tariff and security negotiation "Joint Fact Sheet" at the presidential office press conference hall in Yongsan, Seoul on November 14, 2025. Photo by Yonhap News.

However, Director Wi emphasized that the revision of the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement is a separate issue from the government's initiative to introduce nuclear-powered submarines. He stated, "It is entirely unproductive to raise the issue of nuclear armament during the follow-up consultations, and we firmly reject such discussions. For example, some claim that this revision grants us nuclear potential, but that is absolutely not the case," he stressed in a strong tone.

The Korea-US Nuclear Cooperation Agreement is strictly limited to "peaceful uses" such as commercial purposes. Since nuclear-powered submarines are for military use, separate consultations are required. Similar to the Australian case, there is discussion about introducing exceptions under US nuclear law. Director Wi said, "Nuclear fuel for submarines falls under 'military use of nuclear material,' so several procedural issues must be resolved. If necessary, a separate agreement can be made."

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