Ongoing Delays in Security Coordination Between South Korea and the U.S.
Recent developments in the security coordination between South Korea and the United States have revealed that additional time is required to finalize discussions on key areas, including nuclear-powered submarines. This has been highlighted by a source from the presidential office during a press briefing at the Yongsan presidential office on the 7th. When asked about potential delays due to new issues regarding nuclear-powered submarines, the source confirmed that some text adjustments are needed in the Joint Fact Sheet, making it difficult to predict when an official announcement will be made.
The source added that there has been a review process by relevant U.S. departments, which has taken time to incorporate the opinions of various ministries. They emphasized that the future timeline remains uncertain, stating, “We will maintain a consistent position and observe with patience.”
Uncertainty Surrounding the Release of the Joint Fact Sheet
On the same day, the presidential office addressed the timing of the release of the ‘Joint Fact Sheet (Joint Fact Sheet·Joint Explanatory Document)’ that outlines the results of the South Korea-U.S. customs and security negotiations. The source stated that no definitive statement can be made, explaining, “It is also difficult to say it will not happen this week. It is simply in the process of further discussions.”
The source clarified that the content of the discussions is not very specific, noting that the issues have only been identified and the parties have not yet reached the stage of exchanging expressions. They added, “If we return to the original terms, a decision could be made quickly, but if new text needs to be drafted, it might not happen today, tomorrow, or the day after.” The source also mentioned that optimism about the outcome has been limited throughout the process.
Potential Impact of U.S. Supreme Court Ruling
Regarding the possibility of the South Korea-U.S. agreement on the Joint Fact Sheet being invalidated or renegotiated if the U.S. Supreme Court rules that the Trump administration’s tariff policy is unconstitutional, the source expressed skepticism. They stated, “We do not think it will go that far,” and continued, “It does not seem like a situation where the administration is powerless to do anything because it is unconstitutional.” They added, “It is difficult to say it would be immediately invalidated if a ruling of unconstitutionality is made.”
Inclusion of Nuclear-Powered Submarines in the Joint Fact Sheet
The inclusion of a clause related to nuclear-powered submarines in the Joint Fact Sheet was also discussed. The source explained that the document covers all the main issues discussed by the two leaders. They noted that the leaders discussed the construction of nuclear submarine infrastructure on the premise that it would be built in South Korea. According to the source, the President also mentioned that the project would be constructed in the country.
They added, “The fuel part was agreed to be supplied by the U.S., and I understand that the reactor will be developed and installed by us.” The source clarified that it is not specified that highly enriched uranium must be used. Regarding the possibility of constructing Virginia-class submarines, they stated, “It is difficult to see that as suitable for our circumstances,” and said, “It is very expensive, about twice the price we are considering. We need a model that meets South Korea’s security needs and is suited to the country’s maritime topography.”