South Korea Added to US 'Sensitive Countries List'

The US Department of Energy confirmed on the 14th local time that the US government will include South Korea in the lowest - level category of the "Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List" in early January 2025. The list will take effect on April 15. This is the first time that South Korea has been designated as a "sensitive country" by the US government.

The US Department of Energy pointed out that this list has a wide coverage. Being on the list does not mean a hostile relationship with the US. Many countries that cooperate with the US on various issues such as energy, science, technology, counter - terrorism, and nuclear non - proliferation are also included in the designated countries. Bilateral visits and cooperation will not be prohibited, but prior internal reviews are required. However, the US Department of Energy did not explain the reason for including South Korea in this list.

It is understood that researchers from "sensitive countries" must go through a more rigorous certification process when working at relevant facilities or research institutions of the US Department of Energy and participating in related research. The official website of the "Jefferson Laboratory", one of the 17 national research institutes under the US Department of Energy, has already included South Korea and North Korea in the list of sensitive countries.

After the "sensitive countries list" officially takes effect on April 15, it will be more difficult for South Korean researchers to participate in research in cutting - edge fields such as nuclear energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technology at US national research institutions and universities. According to the official website of the US Department of Energy, sensitive countries are those that require special consideration for policy reasons. Specific countries may be included in this list due to factors such as national security, nuclear non - proliferation, regional instability, threats to economic security, or support for terrorism.

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the 13th of this month that it is actively discussing with relevant US departments the issue of South Korea being included in the "sensitive countries" list.