Fri Mar 21 06:08:51 UTC 2025: ## South Korea and US Agree to Resolve “Sensitive Country” Designation
**SEOUL, March 21, 2025** – South Korea and the United States have agreed to swiftly resolve the issue of South Korea’s designation as a “sensitive country” by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This follows a meeting between South Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. Minister Ahn’s visit to Washington D.C. this week, his second in a month, comes amid rising concerns over potential U.S. tariffs and the DOE’s January decision, which South Korea only recently learned about.
While the DOE has not publicly explained the reasoning behind the designation, Acting U.S. Ambassador to Seoul, Joseph Yun, attributed it to mishandling of sensitive information by visitors to DOE labs. Both governments have affirmed that the designation will not impede broader bilateral and technological cooperation.
The unexpected designation has fueled debate in South Korea regarding the potential for nuclear armament, given North Korea’s escalating nuclear program. Minister Ahn’s discussions with Secretary Wright also covered broader energy cooperation between the two countries. The situation further complicates the relationship between the two allies amid the backdrop of President Trump’s planned tariffs on various trading partners.
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