The task force is expected to prepare for a visit by a group of U.S. officials to discuss relevant issues and proceed with follow-up steps, based on a joint fact sheet released in November last year that outlines the details of the deal reached during U.S. President Donald Trump's visit here in late October.
Under the deal, Seoul and Washington agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent in return for Seoul's major investment pledge to the U.S., along with a go-ahead to build its own nuclear-powered submarines, reprocess spent nuclear fuel rods and enrich uranium.
But these nuclear-related agreements would inevitably require the revision of a decades-long nuclear energy pact first signed in 1974, which restricts the scope of nuclear technology South Korea can use for civilian purposes.
That has led some to suggest a separate deal may be needed for nuclear-powered subs, which is believed to be one reason the task force was formed.
However, an uphill road lies ahead, as the deal itself now faces uncertainty after Trump threatened to raise tariffs again, complaining of delays in its implementation.
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