US Limits Intelligence Sharing With South Korea After Nuclear Site Remarks

The United States has partially restricted the sharing of satellite intelligence with South Korea following comments by Seoul’s unification minister about a suspected nuclear facility in North Korea, according to media reports on Tuesday.

The move comes after South Korea’s unification minister Chung Dong-young told parliament last month that Pyongyang was believed to be operating a uranium enrichment site in the northwestern city of Kusong. Uranium enrichment is a key step in the development of nuclear weapons.

Washington reportedly raised concerns that Chung’s remarks disclosed sensitive intelligence without authorization. South Korea’s Yonhap news agency and other local outlets said the United States responded by limiting certain satellite data that had previously been routinely shared with Seoul.

A South Korean military official, speaking anonymously, said the restrictions have been in place since early April but do not significantly affect military readiness. The official added that intelligence cooperation between the two allies on North Korea’s activities continues as usual.

Neither South Korea’s defence ministry nor its unification ministry has publicly commented on the reported measures. The Pentagon has also not issued a response.

North Korea is already known to operate nuclear-related facilities in Yongbyon and near Pyongyang. The mention of a possible additional site in Kusong has drawn political attention in Seoul, with opposition parties criticising Chung over the potential impact on relations with Washington.

Chung has defended his statement, saying it was based on publicly available information and had been mentioned previously during his confirmation hearing. He expressed regret that his remarks were interpreted as a disclosure of classified material.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also backed the minister, stating that the suspected Kusong facility had already been referenced in academic research and media reports. He rejected claims that any classified intelligence provided by the United States had been exposed.

The development comes amid ongoing international concern over North Korea’s nuclear programme. The country is subject to multiple sanctions imposed by the United Nations aimed at curbing its weapons development, though it has continued to advance its capabilities.

Recent comments from the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency warned of a sharp increase in North Korea’s capacity to produce nuclear weapons.

The United States maintains a military presence of around 28,500 troops in South Korea and relies on a range of intelligence tools, including satellites and electronic monitoring, to track developments in the North. The partial restriction highlights sensitivities surrounding intelligence sharing within the longstanding alliance.