Cheong Wa Dae Acknowledges 'Constraints on South Korea-U.S. Intelligence Cooperation'... Security Talks Also 'On Hold' (Comprehensive)

"Intelligence cooperation is linked to the 'Guseong' remarks on North Korea; we are working to resolve the issue"
"Delays in investment in the United States have been partly resolved, but repercussions from other issues continue"
"Coordination is important in preparation for North Korea-U.S. talks"}

Cheong Wa Dae acknowledged on October 30 that some constraints have emerged in intelligence cooperation between South Korea and the United States. It also said that security talks between the two countries are effectively stalled, with other issues, including intelligence cooperation, becoming entangled with the issue of investment in the United States. However, it stressed that, as the possibility of talks between North Korea and the United States cannot be ruled out, it is important to establish a coordination framework with the United States so that South Korea can serve as a "pace-setter" if talks take place.

The phoenix flag flies at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Dec. 29, 2025, as President Lee Jaemyung heads to work, officially ushering in the return to Cheong Wa Dae after three years and seven months. Photo by Jo Yongjun

A senior Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters that day, in response to concerns that intelligence cooperation between South Korea and the United States had encountered difficulties, "It is true that there are some constraints on intelligence cooperation between the two countries." The official said, "It is also a known fact that the 'Guseong' issue (referring to Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young's remarks about North Korean nuclear facilities) is related to how the situation came about. It is an issue that needs to be resolved, and we are working to resolve it."

Cheong Wa Dae's comments confirmed remarks by National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jong-seok, who had told a National Assembly audit that there were some restrictions on intelligence cooperation between South Korea and the United States. However, it did not explain the specific scope or extent of the constraints.

The intelligence cooperation issue also appears to be affecting security talks between South Korea and the United States. Asked why a date had not been set for the second round of security talks between the two countries, the official said, "The security talks had been progressing relatively smoothly after last year's South Korea-U.S. summit, but they became stalled early this year because of delays in investment."

The official continued, "After efforts to revive them, they resumed around late May, but then stalled again because of investment issues. Other issues arose in the meantime, and the intelligence issue also became involved, making matters complicated."

The official said, "Although the investment delay issue has been resolved to some extent, repercussions from other areas are having an impact," adding, "There have been various discussions within the U.S. side, but the talks are ultimately on hold."

The official also acknowledged that there are outstanding issues between the two countries, responding to claims that South Korea-U.S. relations are facing "turbulence." Referring to investment in the United States, intelligence cooperation, and issues involving U.S. companies, the official said, "Those issues have been lumped together, and we are trying to resolve them one by one."

Meanwhile, Cheong Wa Dae said it was important to establish a framework for consultations with the United States in preparation for the possibility of talks between North Korea and the United States. Asked about the prospects for such talks, the official said, "Under the Trump Administration, many unfolding developments are subject to changing and unpredictable circumstances, so no one can say for certain what will happen."

The official added, "Based on what we know so far, there are no particular indications," but said, "The possibility is not zero, so we are keeping various possibilities in mind."

The official particularly emphasized South Korea's role if talks between North Korea and the United States become a reality. "If we enter such a situation, we will need to communicate, coordinate, and consult with the U.S. side," the official said. "By doing so, we should ensure that our position is reflected and play a role in guiding developments in a desirable direction."

The official stressed, "If such circumstances arise, we will not participate directly in the talks; the United States will take part, while we will serve as a pace-setter. That is why we are paying attention to the need for a consultation mechanism that will enable us to fulfill that role effectively."

The official's remarks indicate that, although it remains uncertain whether talks between North Korea and the United States will take place, close prior consultations between South Korea and the United States will be needed to ensure that South Korea's position is reflected if negotiations begin. However, the official rejected speculation that the government was considering pursuing a declaration of the end of the Korean War as an outcome of such talks.

"The prospects for a North Korea-U.S. summit are highly uncertain and unclear," the official said. "There is no proposal under consideration at the government level, given that it is unclear whether such a summit will take place and there are no signs of it."

The official added, "Individuals may develop ideas on their own, but this is not something we are considering or preparing for," adding that it was also difficult at this stage to determine whether a declaration of the end of the war could actually result from talks between North Korea and the United States.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.