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South Korea Minister Regrets Nuclear Info Leak Claims Over Kusong Remarks

South Korea's Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has expressed regret over allegations that his reference to North Korea's Kusong region as a nuclear site constituted a sensitive intelligence leak. He insists his remarks were based on publicly available expert reports and media articles, not on classified information from the United States. The US reportedly complained about the disclosure and has stopped sharing satellite intelligence on North Korea with Seoul. Chung dismissed the allegations as having a "hidden motive" and called for the matter to be resolved through smooth communication between the allies.

Key Points: S. Korea Unification Minister Denies Leaking Nuclear Intel on North

  • Minister denies leaking classified intel
  • Remarks based on open reports, not US intelligence
  • US halted sharing satellite info with Seoul
  • Issue risks straining South Korea-US relations
2 min read

South Korea: Unification minister regrets leak claim related to Kusong reference as North Korea nuclear site

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young expresses regret over claims his remarks on North Korea's Kusong nuclear site were a sensitive intelligence leak.

"Framing it as an information leak is very regrettable. - Chung Dong-young"

Seoul, April 20

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said on Monday his referring to North Korea's Kusong region as one of the sites hosting the country's nuclear facilities was intended to explain South Korea's North Korea policy, expressing regret over allegations that the remarks constituted an information leak.

The minister made the remarks amid allegations that he disclosed sensitive intelligence on North Korea, after describing Kusong as a site hosting uranium enrichment facilities during a parliamentary session last month.

So far, only two regions -- Yongbyon and Kusong -- have been officially recognised as uranium enrichment sites in North Korea, while researchers in South Korea and abroad have at times referred to Kusong as also hosting nuclear facilities.

"I only referred (to Kusong) as part of a policy explanation meant to illustrate the seriousness of North Korea's nuclear issue. Framing it as an information leak is very regrettable," Chung told reporters.

The United States has reportedly complained about Chung's disclosure of the information, which it believes was based on intelligence shared by Washington, and has ceased sharing satellite information on North Korea with Seoul.

The unification ministry has contended that Chung's remarks were based on "open information," including expert reports and local media articles, rather than intelligence from Washington, reports Yonhap news agency.

"It's (already) open information. I also mentioned Kusong during my confirmation hearing last year," the minister stated, dismissing allegations of an information leak. "I suspect a hidden motive behind bringing this issue up after nine months have passed."

Chung said the national interest should be the top priority in addressing this issue along with others, accusing some of falsely "spreading a scenario of a crisis in South Korea-US relations" and expressing hope that Seoul and Washington would resolve the matter "through smooth communications."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see allies having such a public spat. The US stopping satellite intel sharing is a serious move. It shows trust is fragile, even between close partners. Hope they resolve it soon for regional stability.
P
Priya S
As an Indian, I can understand the minister's frustration. Sometimes in our Parliament too, statements are taken out of context. But when it comes to nuclear neighbours, every word matters double. 🤔 Hope South Korea handles this delicately.
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Aman W
The minister's point about a "hidden motive" is very telling. Why bring it up after 9 months? Sounds like internal politics is playing out on a security stage. Not a good look for any government.
K
Karthik V
With a volatile neighbour like North Korea, South Korea must be extra careful. We in India know the importance of measured words with certain neighbours. The US reaction seems a bit harsh if it was truly open-source info, but allies must respect intelligence protocols.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, the minister's defence is weak. If researchers and media knew about Kusong, why did the US intelligence consider it sensitive enough to stop sharing data? There seems to be a disconnect. The priority should be mending the alliance, not just defending a statement.

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