The controversy surrounding Korea-U.S. intelligence cooperation continues despite repeated government denials. As the U.S. government publicly discusses 'alliance standards' in intelligence and counterintelligence, the South Korean government acknowledges some limitations in information sharing, fueling ongoing debate. Concerns have emerged that trust issues between intelligence agencies could impact the government's diplomatic achievements, which have been a key factor in the president's approval ratings.
On October 11, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) stated that South Korea and the U.S. continue to cooperate on various intelligence matters, including North Korean missiles, conventional forces, North Korean developments, international relations, cyber issues, and counterintelligence. The NIS refuted reports from the previous day claiming that only missile-related information is currently being shared due to U.S. restrictions, stating, "This is completely false."
The NIS also denied claims that the volume of U.S. intelligence on North Korea has decreased. It explained, "Despite some limitations in specific areas of information sharing, the overall amount of intelligence provided by the U.S. has not diminished," emphasizing that cooperation between the two countries is reciprocal and multidimensional. The Ministry of National Defense also issued a statement the day before, asserting, "There are no restrictions on intelligence sharing between South Korea and the U.S. to maintain a robust military readiness against North Korea."
However, the NIS acknowledged in its statement that there are reasons for some limitations in information sharing. The Ministry of National Defense also noted that any restricted information is sufficiently supplemented by South Korea's independent intelligence capabilities. Both agencies denied reports of widespread restrictions on intelligence sharing with North Korea while confirming that some information is indeed limited.
Prior to the government's rebuttal, U.S. officials publicly called for adherence to alliance standards in intelligence and counterintelligence. A senior official from the Trump administration stated on October 9 in response to a domestic media inquiry about Korea-U.S. intelligence cooperation, "We expect South Korea to adhere to the standards of our decades-long alliance, especially regarding intelligence and counterintelligence matters." A senior official from the U.S. State Department also reportedly expressed expectations that all allies handle intelligence and counterintelligence issues appropriately.
In June, during a trilateral working group meeting aimed at addressing North Korean cyber threats, it was reported that the NIS was excluded at the request of the U.S. The NIS explained, "There was some misunderstanding months ago, but that is already in the past," asserting that there are currently no misunderstandings between the intelligence agencies of South Korea and the U.S. However, concerns have been raised about a discrepancy in the narratives of both sides, especially as the U.S. continues to demand adherence to standards in intelligence and counterintelligence.
Particularly, there are worries that intelligence sharing regarding North Korea's nuclear development may be restricted. On October 8, during a National Defense Committee hearing, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Jin Young-seung responded to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Sung Il-jong about whether key information related to North Korea's nuclear program is being shared with the U.S., stating, "Some information is restricted, but there are no issues with our readiness." When asked by another lawmaker, Yoo Yong-won, whether intelligence sharing has been fully normalized, he acknowledged, "It is true that it has not been completely restored," adding, "I believe it is best for this to be resolved quickly."
The controversy over intelligence cooperation traces back to March when Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young mentioned a uranium enrichment facility in North Pyongan Province, North Korea. Minister Jeong and the Blue House have refuted claims of a leak of classified information, stating that the information was already public in existing papers and media reports.
As the controversy continues, it poses a burden for the government, especially with follow-up tasks remaining after the Korea-U.S. summit. Diplomacy has been cited as a major factor supporting the president's approval ratings in recent surveys.
A survey conducted by Gallup Korea from June 6 to 8 among 1,000 eligible voters aged 18 and older found that President Lee Jae-myung's job approval rating remained at 37%, the lowest since his inauguration. Among the reasons for positive evaluations, diplomacy was cited by 24% of respondents. In evaluations of specific policy areas, diplomacy received a positive rating of 43%, compared to 38% negative, making it one of the few areas with a higher positive than negative assessment, alongside welfare.
In contrast, the North Korea policy received a positive rating of 24% and a negative rating of 55%. Among the reasons for negative evaluations of the president, defense, security, and North Korea issues accounted for 15%, the second-highest after real estate. Observers suggest that if the intelligence cooperation controversy continues, it could simultaneously affect the diplomatic area, which has received favorable evaluations, and the security and North Korea areas, which have garnered negative assessments.
The survey was conducted through telephone interviews using randomly selected virtual numbers, with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level and a response rate of 9.7%. Detailed information can be found on the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.
The opposition party is demanding the dismissal of Minister Jeong and NIS Director Lee Jong-seok, citing the limitations on information sharing and the NIS's absence from the Korea-U.S.-Japan working group. People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated on Facebook, "Cracks in the Korea-U.S. alliance are evident everywhere," urging for the immediate dismissal of Jeong Dong-young and Lee Jong-seok, warning that the collapse of the Korea-U.S. alliance would lead to a breakdown of South Korea's security.
Shin Yul, a professor of political science and diplomacy at Myongji University, commented, "The U.S. call for 'adherence to alliance standards' indirectly points to issues in Korea-U.S. intelligence sharing. If this dissonance continues, it could increase public anxiety as well as affect public opinion."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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