Top security adviser meets U.S. energy secretary for talks on civil uranium enrichment, spent fuel reprocessing: Sources
Published: 18 Dec. 2025, 11:26
![National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac speaks to the press upon arrival at Dulles International Airport in Washington on Dec. 17. [YONHAP]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2025/12/18/50169411-7abc-4b57-8be2-91a09655916f.jpg)
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac speaks to the press upon arrival at Dulles International Airport in Washington on Dec. 17. [YONHAP]
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac has met with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright for talks that likely centered on Korea's push for civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing in line with recent summit agreements, sources said Wednesday.
Wi and Wright met in Washington for discussions related to the joint fact sheet detailing the outcome of the two summits between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump on trade and security, sources familiar with the matter said.
In the joint fact sheet, the United States committed to supporting Korea for "the process that will lead to its civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful uses." It also includes U.S. approval for and its commitment to advancing Seoul's drive for nuclear-powered submarines.
The two sides likely discussed efforts to move forward with the summit agreements, with a particular note on advancing Seoul's drive for securing uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing capabilities for civil purposes, as well as building the strategic vessels.
Under a bilateral energy pact with the United States, Korea is permitted to enrich uranium to levels of up to 20 percent and to reprocess spent fuel, but only with U.S. consent, effectively barring it from carrying out those activities.
As for nuclear-powered submarines, Korea is reportedly seeking a U.S. exception under Section 91 of the Atomic Energy Act, which allows the U.S. president to authorize the transfer of nuclear materials for military purposes.
Based on that, Australia signed a separate agreement with the United States for its nuclear-powered submarine project under the Aukus security partnership.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival in Washington on Tuesday, Wi said he would explore the possibility of having a separate bilateral deal to allow for such an exception.
Yonhap
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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