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South Korea and U.S. Launch Talks to Implement Summit Security Agreements

The talks could open a path for Seoul to obtain nuclear-powered submarines contingent on U.S. legal changes that allow civilian uranium enrichment under strict nonproliferation safeguards.

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South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo (R) and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker shake hands prior to their talks at the foreign ministry in Seoul on June 2, 2026, to launch their first round of talks to implement a set of security agreements reached by their leaders last year, in this photo released by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This file image shows National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • The two-day implementation talks began in Seoul on Tuesday, June 2, opening formal interagency negotiations to turn last year’s leaders’ joint fact sheet into concrete programs.
  • South Korea’s delegation is led by First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo and the U.S. team by Under Secretary Allison Hooker, with officials from the NSC, DOE/NNSA and other agencies taking part.
  • Key agenda items include Seoul’s bid for nuclear-powered submarines, a revision of the U.S.-ROK 123 nuclear cooperation agreement to permit civilian uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing, and expanded shipbuilding cooperation.
  • U.S. officials say progress will depend on strict nonproliferation safeguards, legal and regulatory changes, fair treatment of U.S. firms and information-security measures, and previous scheduling was delayed over other U.S. priorities and concerns about Seoul’s legislative steps.
  • Officials expect the inaugural meetings to trade positions and set working groups rather than finish technical deals, and any program to build nuclear subs or change the fuel-cycle rules would take years and could reshape South Korea’s shipbuilding industry, defense logistics and civilian nuclear exports.