Controversy over Chung Dong-young’s Alleged Leak of Sensitive U.S. Intelligence on North Korea’s Nuclear Program... Ministry of Unification Says It Was "Already Public Information"

[Financial News] Minister Chung Dong-young has been drawn into controversy over allegations that he disclosed sensitive U.S. intelligence on North Korea’s nuclear program without prior consent. At a full session of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea on the 6th of last month, Minister Chung warned that North Korea’s nuclear capabilities were growing and stated, "There are uranium enrichment facilities in Nyongbyon, Kusong and Kangson." It has been reported that the United States conveyed its regret after Chung identified Kusong, North Pyongan Province, a region suspected of hosting a third North Korean nuclear facility. Some observers have also suggested that Washington may restrict future sharing of information on North Korea’s nuclear program with Seoul.
However, the Ministry of Unification (MOU) countered at a regular press briefing on the 17th that the so‐called third nuclear facility mentioned by Minister Chung was based on publicly available information, including reports by international research institutes, and not on U.S. intelligence.
At the same briefing, MOU deputy spokesperson Jang Yoon-jung said, "The minister referred to Kusong on the basis of publicly available information, including reports by international research institutes," adding, "He had already mentioned Kusong during his confirmation hearing in July of last year."
Jang further explained, "We have fully explained to the U.S. side the background to the minister’s remarks, and to our understanding, the United States has accepted that explanation." She also drew a clear line under the controversy, stressing that Minister Chung had not received any information from other agencies regarding Kusong, the area cited as the location of a third North Korean nuclear facility.
She also said there had been no protest from the United States. Jang noted, "We communicate regularly with the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Korea on various occasions, and in that process the embassy did make inquiries," but added, "While we explained the background to the minister’s remarks, we are not aware of any protest from the U.S. side." The MOU also stated that it has no knowledge of any decision by the United States to cancel or curtail future sharing of intelligence on North Korea with South Korea.

rainman@fnnews.com Reporter Kim Kyung-soo Reporter