South Korea Launches Inter‑Agency Task Force to Push 123 Agreement Revision Ahead of U.S. Nuclear Talks
Updated (2 articles)
Inter‑Agency Task Force Established to Lead U.S. Nuclear Dialogue On 9 January 2026, South Korea created a closed‑door consultative group to coordinate upcoming negotiations with the United States on civil uranium enrichment and spent‑fuel reprocessing [1][2]. The team is chaired by Rim Kap‑soo, the foreign‑ministry representative for Korea‑U.S. nuclear cooperation, and brings together officials from the ministries of Science and ICT, Climate, Energy and Environment, Trade, Industry and Energy, plus the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, KAERI, KHNP and KINAC. The foreign ministry pledged regular director‑general level meetings and working‑level consultations to ensure whole‑government coordination.
Goal to Amend 123 Agreement for Standing Enrichment and Reprocessing Approval Seoul aims to revise the existing 123 Agreement, which currently limits enrichment to below 20 percent U‑235 and requires U.S. written consent for any activity, by securing standing prior approval for low‑level enrichment and spent‑fuel reprocessing [1][2]. The amendment would give South Korea a reliable fuel supply for its commercial reactors and reduce dependence on external arrangements. Officials stress that the effort targets peaceful uses while maintaining non‑proliferation safeguards.
Preparation for First Round of Negotiations with Washington Both ministries and nuclear agencies are already discussing the timing of the first negotiation round, though exact dates and formats remain undecided [1][2]. The push follows a joint fact sheet from the October 2025 Korea‑U.S. summit, in which Washington signaled support for Seoul’s civilian nuclear ambitions. The inter‑agency process is intended to streamline policy decisions and present a unified Korean position when formal talks commence.
Sources
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Yonhap: South Korea forms interagency team for U.S. talks on civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing – Details the formation of the task force, Rim Kap‑soo’s chairmanship, and the cross‑ministry composition aimed at coordinated policy preparation.
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Yonhap: South Korea forms interagency team for U.S. talks on civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing – Highlights the U.S. summit commitment, the objective to amend the 123 Agreement for standing approval, and the emphasis on securing a stable fuel supply for Korean reactors.
Timeline
Oct 2025 – The United States signals backing for South Korea’s pursuit of civil uranium enrichment and spent‑fuel reprocessing in a joint fact sheet released after the October U.S.–South Korea summit, marking a policy shift toward broader bilateral nuclear cooperation[2].
Jan 9, 2026 – South Korea launches an interagency consultative group, chaired by Rim Kap‑soo, bringing together the ministries of Science and ICT, Climate, Energy and Environment, Trade, Industry and Energy, plus the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, KAERI, KHNP and KINAC, to coordinate forthcoming talks with Washington on civilian nuclear activities[1][2].
Jan 9, 2026 – The newly formed team sets its primary goal: amend the existing 123 Agreement so that low‑level uranium enrichment (still below 20 % U‑235) and spent‑fuel reprocessing receive standing prior U.S. approval, securing a reliable fuel supply for Korea’s commercial reactors[1][2].
Jan 2026 (ongoing) – South Korea’s foreign ministry readout states the task force will convene director‑general‑level meetings and subsequent working‑level consultations in phases, ensuring whole‑government coordination ahead of any U.S. negotiations[1].
2026 (planned) – Officials indicate that the first round of negotiations with the United States on a possible 123 Agreement revision is expected later this year, though exact timing and scope remain under discussion[1][2].