Korea–U.S. Cooperation Strategy on Nuclear Energy: A Future Foundation for a Comprehensive Strategic Alliance
Institute for Future Strategy Issue Brief Vol. 52
“Korea–U.S. Nuclear Energy Cooperation Strategy: A Future Foundation for a Comprehensive Strategic Alliance”
This Issue Brief argues for the strategic reconfiguration of Korea–U.S. nuclear energy cooperation amid shifting global order and compounded challenges such as artificial intelligence and the energy transition.
It analyses the uncertainties generated by the transactional, “America First” approach of the Trump administration, while also identifying policy opportunities that may emerge from this evolving context. In particular, it explores new avenues for bilateral cooperation centred on key issues, including Korea’s nuclear-powered submarines, the revision of the Korea–U.S. nuclear agreement, and collaboration in nuclear power plant exports.
The brief further emphasises the need for Korea to reduce its external dependence on nuclear fuel supply and to strengthen both energy security and industrial competitiveness by securing capabilities in low-enriched uranium production and spent fuel reprocessing.
In addition, it highlights the rapid surge in energy demand driven by the expansion of AI and data centres, noting that nuclear energy is emerging as a critical foundation supporting future industrial and technological competition. In this context, the importance of Korea–U.S. cooperation in nuclear power plant construction and global market engagement is underscored.
Moreover, in addressing the North Korean nuclear issue, the brief stresses the necessity of close bilateral coordination based on complementary strategies. It demonstrates how the revision of the nuclear agreement, nuclear-powered submarines, nuclear exports, and responses to North Korea’s nuclear programme can evolve into an integrated framework of strategic cooperation.
Overall, this Issue Brief presents policy directions for advancing Korea–U.S. relations into a comprehensive strategic alliance that integrates technology, energy, and security, with nuclear energy serving as a central pillar.
