Adviser: U.S. backs Japan-like nuclear authority in enrichment, reprocessing

Wi Sung-lac, the presidential office's National Security Adviser, stated on the 26th that South Korea and the U.S. have reached an understanding on revising the nuclear cooperation agreement and that "it could go as far as Japan's level." However, he explained that whether to simultaneously announce an agreement on security issues, including this revision, and tariff negotiations remains "a matter to be decided."

Director-General Wi appeared on KBS 1TV's 'Sunday Diagnosis Live' that morning and said, "As mentioned previously, there has been meaningful progress on revising the nuclear cooperation agreement, which was a security issue. We have agreed to move in a direction where we gain more authority in the areas of enrichment and reprocessing than we currently have."

He added, "While we cannot yet guarantee results stemming from the APEC summit, there has been progress regarding the nuclear cooperation agreement, and it can be understood that we could reach Japan's level."

He further explained, "Once the revision of the nuclear cooperation agreement is announced, we will proceed with follow-up discussions and measures. How it will unfold will require further discussion until the summit."

Regarding the revision of the nuclear cooperation agreement, Director-General Wi stated, "Given our capabilities, it is unfair to continue facing restrictions, and we have consistently demanded improvements. There has been a positive response to these demands from the U.S. side."

He continued, "When we requested treatment similar to Japan's in enrichment and reprocessing, our purpose was entirely economic and industrial, with no other intentions. The U.S. has responded positively, though we will see whether it will be exactly the same as Japan's or a slightly different approach. We are negotiating with the expectation of gaining authority in enrichment and reprocessing."

On defense cost issues, he stated, "Following the president's instructions, we have proactively addressed the defense cost issue. The president has emphasized that we should play a greater role in defending the Korean Peninsula and take a more autonomous stance, under which he directed an increase in defense costs."

He added, "We negotiated with the U.S. using this as a card, and during the negotiations, we were able to derive the issue of revising the nuclear cooperation agreement. Increasing defense spending and taking on more roles is already part of a proactive stance, and we do not view it as a new burden."

South Korea, U.S. Nuclear Pact Aims for Japan-Level Authority