South Korea and US Agree to Pursue Stand-Alone Nuclear-Powered Submarine Pact

A new chapter for the US-Korea alliance, or a Pandora's box for nuclear proliferation? South Korea and the United States have agreed to pursue a stand-alone agreement on cooperation for nuclear-powered submarines, a landmark move with working-level talks expected to begin early next year. The announcement signals a significant deepening of the bilateral security partnership.

A Deal Takes Shape

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac confirmed the development on December 24, 2025, following a trip to the U.S., Canada, and Japan. According to a Yonhap report, Wi stated he held "practical and in-depth consultations" in Washington with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. "We shared the view that a stand-alone agreement on cooperation over nuclear-powered submarines is necessary, and agreed to move forward with discussions," Wi told reporters.

This agreement builds on security commitments made during the summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Gyeongju in late October.

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Navigating Non-Proliferation Waters

Addressing the sensitive issue of nuclear fuel, Wi reaffirmed Seoul's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation. He stressed that South Korea plans to use low-enriched uranium (LEU) at levels below 20 percent to power the submarines and that highly enriched uranium is not under consideration. Under the current bilateral nuclear accord with the U.S., South Korea is prohibited from enriching its own uranium and must import its supply.

What's Next on the Agenda

The path forward will be paved quickly. A working-level U.S. delegation is expected to visit South Koreaearly in 2026 to begin formal consultations. Key discussion points will likely include the scope of technology transfer, fuel supply arrangements, and the specific terms of the new agreement.