Wednesday, June 25, 2025

New Intelligence MOU Signed: A Step Forward for U.S.-South Korea Relations

Newsis

The Yoon Suk Yeol administration has strengthened its cooperation with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR). This follows the INR’s regular strategic dialogue with the Korea National Diplomatic Academy last year and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Foreign Intelligence Planning Bureau.

On June 24 in Washington D.C., Park Jang Ho, Director General for Diplomatic Intelligence at South Korea’s foreign ministry, and Brett Holmgren, Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, signed the Korea-U.S. Foreign Intelligence Cooperation MOU.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Korean and U.S. diplomatic authorities have been conducting practical discussions to formalize the exchange and cooperation of diplomatic information to strengthen the intelligence alliance since the beginning of this year. This is following the institutionalization of bilateral intelligence cooperation between the two countries agreed upon by President Yoon Suk Yeol during his state visit to the U.S. last year.

With the signing of this MOU, the Foreign Intelligence Planning Bureau and the INR will exchange and collaborate on diplomatic information analysis and technology related to regional and international situations and will work towards capacity-building cooperation. They have also agreed to prepare a joint situation analysis report. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that such a Korea-U.S. diplomatic intelligence exchange would serve as the operational foundation for the newly established Diplomatic Strategic and Intelligence Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last month.

Previously, in December of last year, the Korea National Diplomatic Academy signed a Terms of Reference (TOR) to regularize strategic dialogue with the INR about twice a year. At that time, Korea National Diplomatic Academy Director Park Cheol Hee visited Washington D.C. to meet Holmgren and sign the TOR.

Hot this week

From Pandemic Idea to AgeTech Powerhouse: How Tuculescu’s Vision Became Reality

Onscreen aims to support seniors with AI technology, offering care solutions and companionship through innovative TV-based systems.

Meta Wanted Perplexity, SSI, and OpenAI’s Best Minds—What It Got Instead

Meta's aggressive pursuit of AI dominance includes failed acquisitions and high-profile talent recruitment amid rising competition.

Trump Threatens to Fire Powell (Again) as Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady

Trump criticizes Fed Chairman Powell, suggesting firing him over interest rate decisions, claiming it costs the U.S. significantly.

Robot Fever Grips Korea: LG, Startups, and Stocks Are Booming

South Korea's robotics investment is booming, with major firms and startups entering the AI humanoid robot market, signaling growth.

Galaxy Z Fold 7 Leak: Samsung Strikes Back in the Foldable Phone War

Samsung faces stiff competition in the foldable phone market as it prepares to launch its Galaxy Z Fold and Flip 7 against lighter models from China.

Topics

From Pandemic Idea to AgeTech Powerhouse: How Tuculescu’s Vision Became Reality

Onscreen aims to support seniors with AI technology, offering care solutions and companionship through innovative TV-based systems.

Meta Wanted Perplexity, SSI, and OpenAI’s Best Minds—What It Got Instead

Meta's aggressive pursuit of AI dominance includes failed acquisitions and high-profile talent recruitment amid rising competition.

Trump Threatens to Fire Powell (Again) as Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady

Trump criticizes Fed Chairman Powell, suggesting firing him over interest rate decisions, claiming it costs the U.S. significantly.

Robot Fever Grips Korea: LG, Startups, and Stocks Are Booming

South Korea's robotics investment is booming, with major firms and startups entering the AI humanoid robot market, signaling growth.

Galaxy Z Fold 7 Leak: Samsung Strikes Back in the Foldable Phone War

Samsung faces stiff competition in the foldable phone market as it prepares to launch its Galaxy Z Fold and Flip 7 against lighter models from China.

From Japan to Wall Street: Nippon Steel’s Make-or-Break Financial Move

Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel involves complex financing strategies, raising concerns about debt and economic conditions.

Japan’s Steel Giant Takes Over US Steel: What It Means for American Workers

Nippon Steel acquires U.S. Steel for $14.1 billion, ensuring U.S. government oversight and maintaining its headquarters in Pittsburgh.

Trump’s Ultimatum to Iran Jolts Oil Prices into Unsteady Climb

Oil prices rose slightly as markets reacted to Trump's ultimatum to Iran, with WTI and Brent crude experiencing minor gains.

Related Articles