US scales back nuclear intelligence sharing to South Korea after data leak

The United States has restricted the transfer of certain intelligence to South Korea related to North Korea’s nuclear facilities, including information on its nuclear infrastructure.

The decision followed remarks made by South Korean Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young, who disclosed in parliament information about a suspected uranium enrichment facility in the Kusong area, which reportedly displeased Washington, according to Korean media.

The restrictions are said to affect satellite intelligence data on North Korean nuclear sites, including the Kusong region, previously considered a potential location for uranium enrichment facilities alongside Yongbyon and Kangsong.

South Korean armed forces stated that operational readiness has not been affected.

However, officials in Seoul expressed concern over a potential reduction in the country’s ability to monitor Pyongyang’s nuclear activities.

US officials reportedly believed the disclosed information may have been based on American intelligence.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Ministry of Unification said the remarks were based on open-source information.

Despite the restrictions, both sides continue security coordination, particularly in light of recent North Korean missile tests.

At the same time, South Korea is accelerating the development of its own reconnaissance satellites to improve monitoring of North Korean military activity.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov