Archive · 8 Dec 2025
South Korea Forms Task Forces for Nuclear Sub, Uranium Talks with US
South Korea has set up special teams to help with important talks with the United States.
These talks are about nuclear-powered submarines, making uranium, and how much South Korea will pay for defense.
The teams will work with different government departments to make sure everything goes smoothly.
The goal is to have good results by the middle of next year.
This is all part of making the alliance between South Korea and the US stronger, so South Korea can play a bigger role in its own defense.
They also want to work together better to handle any threats in the region.
Meanwhile, the US has dropped the goal of denuclearizing North Korea from its security roadmap, which has raised hopes for a revival of talks between the US and North Korea.
North Korea, however, sees itself as a nuclear state and does not want to give up its nuclear weapons.
Both South Korea and the US say that denuclearization is still their goal, but they are open to talking with North Korea to improve relations.
South Korea established task forces to support negotiations with the US on nuclear-powered submarines, uranium enrichment, and defense costs.
Working-level discussions are ongoing, with expected outcomes in the first half of 2025.
Relevant ministries will lead the consultations, with presidential task forces providing support.
The move aims to modernize the alliance and strengthen joint responses to regional threats, including challenges posed by China.
South Korea and the US are negotiating expanded rights for Seoul to enrich uranium and reprocess spent nuclear fuel.
- Who
- South Korea, the United States, and North Korea
- What
- Establishment of task forces for negotiations on nuclear-powered submarines, uranium enrichment, and defense costs; potential revival of talks between the US and North Korea
- When
- Task forces established; working-level discussions ongoing since this month, expected outcomes in the first half of 2025; potential talks with North Korea in 2026
- Where
- South Korea and the United States, with summit in Gyeongju during APEC; negotiations and potential talks with North Korea
- Why
- To modernize the alliance, increase South Korea's defense role, strengthen joint responses to regional threats, and potentially revive diplomatic efforts with North Korea
South Korea and US
North Korea
Denuclearization
South Korea and US
South Korea and the US maintain denuclearization as a goal, emphasizing the importance of ending North Korea's nuclear threat.
North Korea
North Korea, led by Kim Jong Un, asserts that it has become a nuclear state and that denuclearization is no longer a relevant goal for them.
Diplomatic Talks
South Korea and US
The US and South Korea are open to diplomatic talks with North Korea, with the US potentially reviving negotiations in 2026.
North Korea
Kim Jong Un is willing to engage in talks with the US, but only as equals and not under the premise of denuclearization.
- Task Forces
- Established by South Korea's presidential office
- Negotiation Topics
- Nuclear-powered submarines, uranium enrichment, defense costs
- Expected Outcomes
- Feasible outcomes in the first half of 2025
- Leadership
- Relevant ministries leading consultations, presidential task forces providing support
- Defense Spending
- South Korea to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP
- Proposed Partnership
- 5:5 partnership for uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- Summit Location
- Gyeongju during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum
- Key Figures
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, US President Donald Trump
- North Korea's Stance
- North Korea considers itself a nuclear state and rejects denuclearization as a goal
- US Security Roadmap
- Omitted reference to denuclearizing North Korea, focusing on 'flexible realism' and boosting allies' military power
