Korean media: "Uranium enrichment in South Korea is a sensitive issue… should be advanced with caution and order"

¬ Exclusive interview with Daniel Poneman, former Deputy Secretary of Energy: "Uranium enrichment in the future is possible in U.S.-Korea negotiations… nuclear energy is extremely safe… optimistic outlook for SMRs," recommends South Korea invest in U.S. uranium enrichment ventures

To meet the surging electricity demands of the artificial intelligence (AI) era, the U.S. government is actively working to revive nuclear energy. On the 14th, Daniel Poneman (70), former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, told our newspaper: "Rather than letting Russia and China dominate the market, I would prefer to see the United States and South Korea closely collaborate to successfully sell nuclear reactors worldwide." Poneman served as the second-in-command at the Department of Energy (DOE) during the Obama administration from 2009 to 2014, and then served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of U.S.-based nuclear energy company Constellation Energy from 2015 to 2023. The U.S.-South Korea "Fact Sheet" explicitly states that the United States supports South Korea’s “civilian uranium enrichment and reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel.” He described this as a “sensitive issue,” but added: “I believe that if advanced thoughtfully and orderly, we could see a future for uranium enrichment in South Korea.”

On that day, the reporter interviewed Poneman live at the Aspen Security Forum (ASF) held in Aspen, Colorado. He stated: “South Korea will play a crucial role in expanding nuclear power generation in the United States.” Since the signing of the 1956 U.S.-South Korea Atomic Energy Agreement, South Korea’s uranium enrichment and reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel have been strictly restricted. In 2015, the agreement was revised to clearly allow South Korea to produce low-enriched uranium below 20%, provided it obtains prior consent from the United States; however, specific negotiations for actual implementation have yet to materialize. Under these circumstances, the Fact Sheet released by President Yoon Suk-yeol and President Donald Trump in November 2025 clarified the relevant content, and both sides are now engaged in follow-up negotiations. It is reported that the South Korean government has formally applied to the United States for uranium enrichment rights, aiming to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and ensure stability in global supply chains.

Poneman said: “Nuclear issues, uranium enrichment, and processing are inherently sensitive. Legal constraints such as the North-South Denuclearization Joint Declaration cannot be ignored,” adding: “If South Korea and the United States proceed cautiously and systematically, we may well witness uranium enrichment operations in South Korea in the future.” The South Korean government has pledged to invest $350 billion (approximately 520 trillion KRW) as part of a tariff agreement. Poneman remarked: “Why not have South Korea invest in U.S. uranium enrichment ventures and become a commercial partner? Let us learn together. Factories already exist, permits have been secured, and equipment is currently being manufactured.” He lamented: “It’s regrettable that the United States has already lost its domestic uranium enrichment capability,” and emphasized that the “fuel cycle” is one of the most promising areas for investment. After the Cold War, the U.S. commercial uranium enrichment industry drastically declined, leading to growing reliance on Russian nuclear fuel. Now, the U.S. is investing heavily to rebuild enrichment facilities and restore its supply chain.

Some public concerns remain about the safety of nuclear power generation. In response, he stated: “Nuclear energy is among the safest technologies globally,” noting that “in terms of accidents and probability, it is far lower than wind or solar energy.” He also pointed out: “Hundreds of thousands die annually due to air pollution,” adding: “Nuclear energy is extremely safe—and becomes even safer over time. It will only get safer in the future.” Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which simultaneously address the electricity demands of the AI era and carbon neutrality goals, are receiving significant attention. He expressed optimism: “The future looks very promising. Although SMRs are not the only solution, if we want to meet the rapidly increasing demand—such as for data center construction—we must mobilize every available source of power.”

Poneman previously served at the White House National Security Council (NSC) and was a key figure in handling North Korea-related issues. During the first North Korea nuclear crisis in 1993–1994, he worked at the NSC under the Clinton administration, responsible for policy toward North Korea—a rare individual who combines diplomatic, security, and nuclear industry experience. The U.S. political and expert community generally believes achieving denuclearization of North Korea is highly unlikely. He noted: “When China and Russia occasionally cooperate with the United States, things become much simpler if South Korea and the United States demonstrate strong, unified alliance cooperation.” He stressed: “Recognizing North Korea as a ‘nuclear weapons state’ is absolutely unacceptable,” emphasizing: “This issue is critical—we must never abandon the goal of eliminating all nuclear weapons.” He advocates continuously strengthening the South Korea-U.S. Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), established under the 2023 Washington Declaration, as well as U.S. extended deterrence (nuclear umbrella) and security commitments to South Korea.

– Aspen Institute –

A nonprofit organization founded in 1949 in Aspen, Colorado, by American entrepreneur Walter Paepcke. Born in Chicago, Paepcke was drawn to Aspen’s natural beauty and envisioned a space where world leaders could step away from daily life to engage in meaningful dialogue. The institute’s mission is “to address the most pressing challenges facing the United States and the world through dialogue and leadership.” It strives to serve as a nonpartisan forum, bringing together diverse individuals to discuss issues beyond traditional political divides. The Aspen Institute independently operates more than 30 projects across fields including economics, education, and environment. Since 2010, it has hosted the annual Aspen Security Forum, providing a platform for global diplomats and security experts to discuss domestic and international issues.

Source: Chosun Ilbo

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870929642660106/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author