Republic of Korea: Nuclear Energy, Safeguards and More

As one of the world’s leading nuclear energy countries, the Republic of Korea is a crucial partner and a strong supporter of the IAEA’s work for peace and development around the world, said the Director General during an important visit to the country this week.

Rafael Mariano Grossi met with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun during his third visit to the country, as well as former United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. He also travelled to the Korean Demilitarized Zone. 

Just concluded a very important, timely and productive meeting with 🇰🇷 @mofa_kr Foreign Minister @FMChoHyun, during my third visit to the Republic of Korea as IAEA DG.

As one of the world’s leading nuclear energy countries, ROK is a crucial partner and a strong supporter of the… pic.twitter.com/VbaKU4mVV9

— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) April 15, 2026

Speaking of his meeting with Minister Hyun, Mr Grossi said: “We discussed our deep concerns about the DPRK’s nuclear programme and the IAEA’s indispensable verification role in support of much-needed renewed diplomatic efforts on this issue, in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”

He said that Minister Hyun had reaffirmed that the Republic of Korea will fully comply with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in the process of introducing conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines and emphasized its commitment to transparent communication with the IAEA.

As with other NPT non-nuclear-weapon states with such plans, the IAEA will work closely with the Republic of Korea to ensure the implementation of all its safeguards responsibilities.

Mr Grossi also said he was “honoured” to meet Mr Ki-moon in Seoul. 

“At a time of growing global challenges, multilateralism has a critical role to play. The experience and perspective of the former UN Secretary General are deeply valuable,” he said.

Honoured to start my third visit as @IAEAorg Director General to the Republic of Korea 🇰🇷 with a meeting in Seoul with Ban Ki-moon.

At a time of growing global challenges, multilateralism has a critical role to play. The experience and perspective of former @UN Secretary-General… pic.twitter.com/cAtaxAKTfB

— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) April 15, 2026

Mr Grossi went to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during his visit, commenting that it highlighted the need for renewed diplomacy to address challenges to international peace and security. 

“As the world’s attention is focused on developments in the Middle East, we must not forget tensions and divisions elsewhere, including here on the Korean Peninsula,” he said. 

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) highlights the need for renewed diplomacy to address challenges to international peace and security.

As the world’s attention is focused on developments in the Middle East, we must not forget tensions and divisions elsewhere, including here… pic.twitter.com/ku0j9zVyrY

— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) April 15, 2026

Mr Grossi said the IAEA stands ready to support diplomatic efforts to ease tensions, promote peaceful co-existence on the Korean Peninsula and resolve the Democratic People's Republic of Korea nuclear issue in a peaceful manner.