Seoul: The United States has partially limited South Korea's access to intelligence on technology related to North Korea, collected via satellites, following a controversy over the unification minister's disclosure of sensitive information regarding the North's nuclear facility.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the restriction follows remarks made by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, who publicly disclosed North Korea's Kusong region as a site for uranium enrichment during a parliamentary session. This disclosure prompted Washington to adjust the scope of intelligence sharing with Seoul, particularly concerning satellite-collected data on North Korean technology.

A senior military official confirmed the restriction, noting that it started earlier this month and pertains to specific parts of North Korea's technological capabilities. While the official did not specify which aspects of North Korea's programs are affected, it is presumed to involve nuclear-related information.

Despite these limitations, the South Korean military maintains that its readiness posture remains unaffected. Intelligence sharing on critical military activities, such as North Korea's missile launches, continues as usual between the allies. This assures that South Korea's surveillance operations remain intact.

Minister Chung's comments about the uranium enrichment facility in Kusong, alongside known sites in Yongbyon and Kangson, have reportedly been a source of dissatisfaction for the U.S., which believes his statements were based on shared intelligence. In response, the unification ministry clarified that Chung's remarks were grounded in "open information."

Chung expressed regret over suggestions that his comments amounted to an information leak, emphasizing that his reference to Kusong was intended to clarify aspects of South Korea's policy towards North Korea.