Unification Ministry: "'North Korean Guseong Nuclear Facility' Is Public Information... Explained to U.S. Inquiry"

It has been confirmed that the United States asked the South Korean government about the background of comments made last month by Minister of Unification Chung Dongyoung, who stated that "there are nuclear facilities in Guseong, North Korea." The Ministry of Unification emphasized that this information is "publicly available" and stated that it "provided sufficient explanation" in response to the U.S. inquiry.

On April 17, Deputy Spokesperson Jang Yoonjung of the Ministry of Unification held a regular briefing at the Seoul Government Complex and, in response to related questions, said, "(Minister Chung) referred to Guseong based on publicly available information such as international research institute reports," adding, "He also mentioned Guseong during his confirmation hearing in July last year." She continued, "There was an inquiry from the U.S. Embassy regarding the background of the minister's remarks. We provided sufficient explanation to the U.S. side, and we understand that the U.S. side also accepted the explanation. To my knowledge, no information regarding Guseong was provided by any other agency."

However, regarding whether the United States lodged a protest or whether there are any information restrictions due to the remarks, she said, "I have no knowledge of such matters."

In relation to this issue, a Blue House official also stated, "We understand that sufficient explanation was provided to the U.S. side regarding the Minister of Unification's remarks," but added, "We cannot confirm any matters related to information sharing between South Korea and the United States." An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also responded to media inquiries by saying, "We cannot confirm matters related to information," and added, "South Korea and the United States are maintaining close communication regarding the North Korean nuclear issue and North Korea policy."

The United States Forces Korea (USFK), in response to media inquiries, said, "We are aware of the media reports," but added, "We have no further comments." USFK also stated, "We continue to cooperate with the Republic of Korea, and we remain committed to maintaining deterrence and ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

Previously, on March 6, Minister Chung appeared before the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee and mentioned Guseong as a location of North Korea's uranium enrichment facility, in addition to Yongbyon and Kangson. Until then, the only North Korean uranium enrichment facilities publicly confirmed by the government were those in Yongbyon and Kangson. This was the first time a high-ranking government official officially identified Guseong as the location of a "third nuclear facility," drawing significant attention.

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