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3d ago

Seoul and Washington Start Summit Follow-Up Talks on North Korea as Unification Ministry Sits Out

The National Security Council sought to contain the interministerial rift by urging a single external message.

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South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who concurrently serves as the U.S. national security adviser, during their meeting in Washington on July 7, 2025, in this file photo released by the South Korean presidential office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac answers reporters' questions at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Dec. 16, 2025, before departing for Washington. (Yonhap)
Officials of South Korea and the United States hold talks on North Korea policy at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Dec. 16, 2025, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • South Korea’s Foreign Ministry and acting U.S. Ambassador Kevin Kim led the Dec. 16 inaugural session, which the allies rebranded as Joint Fact Sheet Follow-up Consultations intended to run regularly.
  • The Unification Ministry formally declined to participate, said it will consult Washington separately as needed, and held its own briefing for foreign diplomats the same day.
  • Unification officials and six former ministers warned the format could resemble the 2018–21 Korea–U.S. working group, which was criticized in Seoul for constraining inter-Korean engagement.
  • A Foreign Ministry readout said the talks covered implementation of summit commitments, reaffirmed complete denuclearization, urged Pyongyang’s return to dialogue, and cited cooperation on the 2018 Singapore statement.
  • Following public disagreement, the presidential office downplayed talk of conflict, the NSC called in senior officials to caution against visible divisions, and top security aide Wi Sung-lac departed for Washington to advance broader summit follow-ups including nuclear-powered submarine discussions.