South Korea in 'close consultation' with US over possible 'sensitive country' designation

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Seoul is in "close consultation" with the US regarding its reported review for designation of South Korea as a "sensitive country," Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong made the remarks amid indications that the US Department of Energy (DOE) is reviewing the possibility of placing South Korea on its sensitive country list.

Researchers from countries on the said list undergo more stringent scrutiny when joining research facilities or projects affiliated with the department, potentially making it harder for them to participate in US research on advanced technologies, such as atomic energy, artificial intelligence or quantum technology.

"As far as I know, the DOE's sensitive country list has not yet been finalized," Lee said at a news briefing in Seoul.

The Foreign Ministry, the spokesperson added, is consulting with relevant US organizations regarding the matter.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, during a parliamentary session earlier this week, said South Korea has raised the issue with the DOE, which is now looking into the matter again.