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2mo ago

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

A two-day kickoff will set the framework for Seoul to seek nuclear-powered submarines, expanded civilian fuel-cycle rights, and closer shipbuilding ties subject to U.S. safeguards, commercial rules, and information-security limits.

South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo (L) and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker pose for a photo before their talks at the State Department in Washington, D.C., on May 19, 2026, in this photo released by Seoul's foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • South Korea and the United States will hold a two-day inaugural meeting in Seoul on June 2-3 to begin formal negotiations to implement the Joint Fact Sheet from the October 2025 summit.
  • The talks will address Seoul's push for nuclear-powered submarines, including where vessels would be built, with Seoul favoring domestic construction and Washington historically favoring U.S. yards.
  • A central item is revising the U.S.-ROK civilian nuclear cooperation '123' framework to allow uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful use, a change U.S. officials link to strict nonproliferation safeguards.
  • U.S. delegates led by Under Secretary Allison Hooker will join South Korea's team led by First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo and officials from defense, energy, trade, and safety agencies, with working groups expected after the kickoff.
  • The talks tie to broader economic and political terms in the Joint Fact Sheet, including Seoul's $350 billion investment pledge for tariff concessions and U.S. concerns about fair treatment of American firms and information-security rules that could affect alliance cooperation.