South Korea has been classified as a “sensitive country” by the US Department of Energy. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is acting as the President, called for contacting the US to prevent negative situations.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has placed South Korea on the list of “sensitive countries.”

According to the definition by the DOE, countries can be included in the “sensitive countries list” due to national security, regional instability, threats to national economic security, support for terrorism, or nuclear issues.

PLACED IN THE LOWEST CATEGORY

According to Yonhap, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok made a statement regarding the US Department of Energy (DOE) placing South Korea in the lowest category of the “sensitive countries” list. Choi instructed contacting the US to prevent the negative effects on the energy cooperation between the two countries.

CALL FOR COOPERATION WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

To ensure that the science, technology, and energy cooperation between South Korea and the US is not affected by this situation, Choi requested that the relevant government agencies actively inform Washington of the situation. He particularly asked Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun to discuss with his American counterpart.

DECISION MADE AFTER IMPOSITION OF MARTIAL LAW

The US Department of Energy reported that after the failed imposition of martial law in South Korea on March 15, the country was placed in the lowest category of the “sensitive countries list.” The decision to include South Korea in the lowest category of the “sensitive countries list” was made by the previous administration of US President Joe Biden, as stated in the announcement by the DOE.

“SENSITIVE COUNTRIES”

It is speculated that if their country is on this list, South Korean researchers will find it difficult to work on projects related to the DOE. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul revealed through unofficial sources on March 11 that the US was considering adding the country to the “sensitive countries list.”