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South Korean Defense Minister Denies USFK Protest and Intelligence-Sharing Cuts Over North Korea Leak Claims
South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back denied media reports of a protest from the U.S. Forces Korea commander over the unification minister's disclosure of a North Korean nuclear facility. He dismissed speculation of reduced intelligence-sharing between the allies. Ahn stated that discussions with the USFK commander covered broad matters but not the specific issue.
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U.S. information about a hidden North Korean nuclear facility. U.S. is scaling back its intelligence-sharing with Seoul on North Korea in protest of the alleged leak. "That is not true at all," Ahn said in response to a question by Rep.
Yoon Sang-hyun of the People Power Party. U.S. " Unification Minister Chung Dong-young referred to the North's Kusong region as one of the locations home to its uranium enrichment facilities during a parliamentary session last month.
Local media reported that USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson protested to Ahn over Chung's remarks, a claim echoed by a main opposition lawmaker. Ahn spoke during a parliamentary session at the National Assembly in Seoul on April 14, 2026, according to a file photo referenced by Yonhap.
He confirmed that he had talked with Gen. Xavier Brunson since Chung made the remarks in early March. The discussions between Ahn and Gen. Xavier Brunson did not specifically address the issue of Chung Dong-young's remarks.
"We did talk about broad matters," Ahn said. Ahn stated that he did not view Chung's remarks as problematic, while emphasizing the need for a unified government voice on such matters. "While the unification and defense ministers may have differing positions and thoughts, I believe we should present a unified voice," he stated.
U.S. "There have been no limitations in intelligence-sharing," he said. U.S. restricting the information-sharing going forward. "I am limited in commenting on any plans," he said.
