SEOUL, March 17 (Yonhap) -- The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is considering urging the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to withdraw its designation of South Korea as a "sensitive" country, according to party spokesperson Han Min-soo. This designation, confirmed by the DOE in early January 2025 under the previous Joe Biden administration, places South Korea among countries considered sensitive due to reasons related to national security and nuclear nonproliferation, alongside nations like North Korea, China, and Russia.
Han stated, "If the ruling People Power Party opposes this, it will inevitably be labeled as a force undermining the South Korea-U.S. alliance." This statement highlights the stakes for the ruling party amid sensitive diplomatic discussions. During the party's internal deliberations, there was muted support for the resolution, with some voices cautioning against immediate action due to the sensitivity of the issue.
Following Han's comments, DPK floor spokesperson Yoon Jong-kun clarified the party's position, remarking, "The party has not yet made a final decision on seeking the resolution." The internal dialogue has revealed differing viewpoints within the DPK itself, as members weigh the potential political ramifications against the backdrop of the upcoming impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties have entered the fray, accusing one another of politicizing national security for political gain. Kwon Young-se, the chairman of the People's Power Emergency Response Committee, accused the DPK of exploiting diplomatic matters for political strife, stating, "The Democratic Party of Korea is using diplomacy with national interests and the future as tools for political strife." This confrontation adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as accusations of being pro-China and anti-U.S. are flung across party lines.
Mayors from South Korea's key cities have also shared their views on addressing issues surrounding the sensitive designation. Daegu Mayor Hong Joon Pyo recommended forming what he termed "Korea-U.S. nuclear alliance"—a proposition lacking detail but symbolizing rising tensions over defense policies. Meanwhile, the Mayor of Seoul, Oh Se-hoon, emphasized the need for wider strategic cooperation within the nuclear industry, posting on social media, "The designation of a sensitive state should be approached in the macroscopic contexts of competition and cooperation in the nuclear industry." This reflects broader anxieties about national security strategies.
The complexity of the situation is compounded by historical precedents of South Korea’s fluctuated status on the sensitive countries list, having previously been designated sensitive during two periods: January 1986 to September 1987, and again from January 1993 to June 1996.
Leaders of the DPK have expressed their concerns about the ramifications of President Yoon's government and its handling of national security. Park Chan-dae, the DPK's floor leader, argued, "The prevailing analysis is it is due to the declaration of emergency martial law by Yoon Suk Yeol and the independent claim of nuclear armament, adding, "If true, it is evidence of how irresponsible actions by Yoon Suk Yeol and the ruling party are obstructing South Korea's security and economy."
These events have painted a volatile picture of Korea-U.S. relations as politicians vie for public support leading up to the impeachment trial, scheduled to put President Yoon's leadership under immense scrutiny. Meanwhile, there is important bipartisan agreement around addressing the U.S. sensitive designation issue, with the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee planning to convene on March 24 to discuss the matter.
The government has also indicated plans to engage with U.S. officials to gather more information about the sensitive designation, as regional anxieties mount. Some experts believe the former administration's designation might influence the Biden administration's response, as these shifting geopolitical dynamics play out on the international stage.
It remains to be seen how this situation will progress. Political analysts suggest it is not productive for South Korean leaders to engage in divisive rhetoric at this juncture; they must focus instead on constructive engagement with the U.S. According to Professor Seo Jeong-gun of Kyung Hee University, the emphasis should be on maintaining diplomatic weight by identifying the causes behind South Korea's designation.
Every party involved seems to acknowledge the necessity of cooperation, yet internal political dynamics continue to threaten the stability of U.S.-Korean relations. The pressures to engage with American diplomacy will guide political discourse moving forward, as all sides brace for upcoming challenges.