South Korea Added to US Sensitive Countries List Amid Nuclear Concerns

The US Department of Energy designated South Korea as a "sensitive" country in January, shortly before President Biden left office. This designation, the lowest tier on the Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List, occurred after South Korean officials, including President Yoon Suk-yeol, discussed potentially developing nuclear weapons due to concerns about North Korea and the US commitment to South Korea's defense. Yoon was later impeached. While Seoul faces no new restrictions on science and technology cooperation, it is in talks with Washington to resolve the matter before the designation takes effect on April 15. Other countries on the list include China, Taiwan, Israel, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul stated nuclear weapons were not "off the table." Daryl Kimball of the Arms Control Association said the designation was prudent.