South Korea seeks US approval to build nuclear-powered submarines

According to the outlet, Wi made the remarks while speaking to the press after arriving in the United States, where preparations are underway for meetings with senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In this context, the national security adviser cited Australia as an example, noting that Canberra was able to secure an exemption from certain requirements of the US Atomic Energy Act under Section 91 by concluding a separate agreement with Washington. This, he said, allowed Australia to join the AUKUS pact with the US and the UK in 2021, under which it is set to receive nuclear-powered submarines.

"Section 91 allows the US president to authorize the transfer of military nuclear materials, a mechanism Seoul sees as a possible way to navigate restrictions embedded in its existing civilian nuclear cooperation pact with the US," Wi said.

Wi also said his visit would focus on accelerating the implementation of commitments outlined in a joint document following the summit between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and US President Donald Trump in late October. These commitments include cooperation on enriched uranium, spent fuel reprocessing, and nuclear-powered submarines.

Asked whether prospects for resuming dialogue with North Korea would be discussed during the meetings, Wi said he planned to exchange views on the broader regional situation and consult with the United Nations. He added that the current strength of the US–South Korea alliance represents an opportunity.

In addition to meeting with Rubio, Wi plans to hold talks with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and other senior officials from the White House and the State Department before returning to Seoul. He emphasized that high-level negotiations are essential to give the issue sufficient political weight, adding that progress would be much faster when the presidential administration and the White House are directly involved.

South Korea and US

In 2023, it became known that the United States was considering deploying its nuclear-powered submarines in South Korea as a means of deterring potential aggression by North Korea.

Reuters reported last week that South Korea is accelerating plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines after receiving approval from Trump. The country is expected to be able to build its first nuclear submarine within 10 years.

Such developments could significantly affect the security situation in East Asia and intensify an underwater arms race.