Seoul: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Wednesday denied recent media reports that the top commander of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) lodged a protest over the unification minister's public disclosure of classified U.S. information about a hidden North Korean nuclear facility.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn addressed lawmakers at a parliamentary session, dismissing speculation that the U.S. is reducing its intelligence-sharing with Seoul on North Korea as a reaction to the alleged leak. He assured that such reports are unfounded and emphasized the importance of military diplomacy between South Korea and the U.S.
Ahn responded to a query by Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the People Power Party, stating, "It would be inappropriate in light of South Korea-U.S. military diplomacy for the USFK commander to have lodged protest with South Korea's defense minister."
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has faced criticism after mentioning the North's Kusong region as a location for uranium enrichment facilities in a parliamentary session last month. Local media suggested that USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson had protested to Ahn regarding Chung's remarks, a claim supported by a main opposition lawmaker.
Ahn clarified that he had discussions with Brunson following Chung's comments, but the issue was not specifically addressed. "We did talk about broad matters," he stated.
When questioned on his view of Chung's remarks, Ahn did not find them problematic. He emphasized the need for a unified stance between the unification and defense ministers, stating, "From an outside perspective, I don't think this constitutes a big problem."
Ahn also confirmed that the government perceives no restrictions in U.S. intelligence-sharing with Seoul concerning North Korea. "There have been no limitations in intelligence-sharing," he asserted.
Despite being asked about the possibility of future U.S. restrictions on information-sharing, Ahn declined to provide specifics, noting, "I am limited in commenting on any plans." He added that the allies exchanged information in real time following North Korea's recent missile launches.