ISTANBUL

The US Department of Energy has classified South Korea as a "sensitive" country over concerns that Seoul may pursue a nuclear weapons program, South Korean media reported Friday.

Under the previous Biden administration, South Korea was placed in the "lowest" category of the US Energy Department’s “Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List (SCL)” in early January. Since then, no additional restrictions have been imposed, a department spokesperson confirmed Friday, according to Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency.

The designation has raised concerns in South Korea, as it could impact the country’s participation in US research on advanced technologies, including nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology, once it takes effect on April 15.

Addressing these concerns, the spokesperson said: "The prior administration placed the Republic of Korea (ROK) in the lowest category (Other Designated Country) of the SCL in early January 2025," while emphasizing that “there are no new restrictions on bilateral science and technology cooperation with South Korea” and that the Energy Department looks forward to continued collaboration to advance mutual interests.

The reasons behind the Biden administration’s decision remain unclear, but the move comes amid growing calls in Seoul for the development of a domestic nuclear weapons program in response to North Korea's nuclear threats, the report said.

The list of sensitive countries includes Armenia, India, Iran, Israel, China, Russia, and North Korea, with Tehran and Pyongyang additionally designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, according to a department document.

Meanwhile, former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached over his attempt to impose martial law in December, which he justified by citing a "paralysis" of state affairs caused by the opposition party's repeated impeachment of senior officials.