It is understood that the United States inquired about the background of Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young's remarks, which identified Guseong in North Pyongan Province as a site for North Korea's nuclear facilities, in addition to Yongbyon and Kangseon.

During a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Seoul on the 17th, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Unification Jang Yoon-jung stated, in response to reports suggesting that the U.S. had protested Minister Jeong's remarks and conveyed a policy of restricting information sharing, "The U.S. Embassy inquired, and we explained the background of the Minister's remarks."

Deputy Spokesperson Jang clarified, "The Minister's mention of Guseong was based on public information, such as reports from international research institutions," adding, "To my knowledge, no information regarding Guseong was provided by any other organization."

He further commented, "We understand that the U.S. side also understood our explanation."

Regarding whether the U.S. had protested or conveyed a policy of restricting information sharing, Deputy Spokesperson Jang stated, "I am not aware of any such matters."

The Dong-A Ilbo reported that after Minister Jeong's remarks, the U.S. conveyed its intention to partially restrict information sharing with North Korea. Citing a source, the newspaper reported, "The U.S. side is understood to be dissatisfied with the public disclosure of information shared with South Korea," and that "the intention to reduce information sharing was conveyed to the South Korean government."

Concerns are being raised that such U.S. actions could significantly impact South Korea's surveillance posture towards North Korea, given South Korea's high dependence on the U.S. for North Korea monitoring and intelligence gathering.

When contacted by the press, U.S. Forces Korea stated, "We are aware of the report. We have nothing further to comment," and added, "USFK continues to cooperate closely with the Republic of Korea and is committed to maintaining deterrence and ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

The Ministry of National Defense stated, "We cannot confirm matters related to information sharing between South Korea and the U.S.," and added, "Our military maintains a close information sharing system based on a firm ROK-U.S. combined defense posture."

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also commented, "We cannot confirm information-related matters," and said, "We are maintaining close communication between South Korea and the U.S. regarding the North Korean nuclear issue and policy towards North Korea."

Previously, on the 6th of last month, Minister Jeong appeared before the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee and, citing a report by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, mentioned Kangseon, along with Yongbyon and Guseong, as sites for North Korea's uranium enrichment facilities.

However, Director-General Grossi's report only mentioned Yongbyon and Kangseon.

The remarks at the time drew attention as they marked the first time a high-ranking government official publicly mentioned Guseong as a site for North Korea's uranium enrichment facilities.

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, who is currently visiting the United States, posted on Facebook, "Minister Jeong Dong-young, who has consistently worked to shake the ROK-U.S. alliance, has finally caused a major accident. The U.S. restriction on sharing North Korea-related information is not just a matter of simple dissatisfaction. It is a direct revelation of distrust in the Lee Jae-myung administration and a clear warning that it will be difficult to maintain the ROK-U.S. alliance if things continue this way."

Representative Jang recently met with an invitation from the White House National Security Council (NSC), and his extended stay in the U.S. after receiving a sudden call from the State Department at the airport on the 16th (Thursday) before his scheduled return drew attention.

Representative Jang stated, "During my visit to the U.S., I repeatedly heard voices of concern from the U.S. side regarding the Lee Jae-myung administration's overall North Korea policy," and added, "They also had significant concerns about the disclosure of sensitive information."

He added, "I had to put in a great deal of effort to make the U.S. side understand that many citizens of the Republic of Korea still strongly support the ROK-U.S. alliance."

U.S. NNP = Chief Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special Dispatch NNP info@newsandpost.com