U.S. label of South Korea being ‘sensitive country’ putting alliance to test

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

South Korea's sudden addition to the "Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List" by the U.S. Department of Energy has sent shockwaves through diplomatic and security circles.

While Seoul insists the move is a technical security measure, critics argue it signals deeper concerns—potentially over nuclear technology proliferation, political instability, or shifting U.S. strategic priorities.

The timing is also notable. This designation was quietly made in the final stretch of the Biden administration but was only uncovered months later—just as President Trump stepped back into office.

Could the designation reshape U.S.-South Korea relations?

To break down the key questions at hand, to my right we have Hans Schattle, Professor of Political Science at Yonsei University. Welcome, Prof.

And to my left is Min Jeong-hun, Professor at Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Thank you for joining us, Prof.

1. (Schattle) Let's begin with Prof. Schattle, so we hear that the U.S. Department of Energy added South Korea to its Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List in early January. What exactly is this list, and what economic and security implications does the designation have?

2. (MIN) The South Korean government says the designation is due to security concerns "unrelated" to foreign policy.

3. (Schattle) Some argue that South Korea's unstable domestic political climate, including the December 3rd illegal martial law incident, may have also influenced the U.S. decision to designate the country as a sensitive nation. How do you view this perspective?

4.(Schattle) The timing of when South Korea was added to the sensitive countries list was SURPRISINGLY during President Biden's term.

5.(Min) The South Korean government wasn't aware of this designation for nearly two months and vowed to take appropriate action before the policy takes effect on April 15th. Amid criticism of diplomatic shortcomings and a leadership vacuum, what measures should South Korea take to address this issue?

6.(Min) Meanwhile, it remains uncertain whether the Trump administration will accept South Korea's request to revise its sensitive country designation.

7.(Schattle) Amid this, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's planned visit to South Korea has been canceled.

8.(Min) During former Pres. Park Geun-hye administration's impeachment crisis, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and Vice President all visited South Korea in succession. Given this precedent, some now worry that Hegseth's canceled visit signals a resurgence of "Korea Passing"—the phenomenon of South Korea being sidelined in major diplomatic affairs. How do you interpret this situation?

9.(Schattle) Meanwhile, President Trump recently referred to North Korea as a "nuclear power" and a "nuclear-armed state." He also stated that his second administration would seek a relationship with North Korea similar to that of his first term. Could this signal a fundamental shift in U.S. policy toward North Korea?