U.S. Delays Visas for NIS Officers Bound for Korean Embassy

The U.S. government has postponed the issuing of visas and granting diplomatic status to National Intelligence Service (NIS) officers set to work at the Korean Embassy in Washington, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. A senior NIS resident official, who had recently served a stint in the United States, has also postponed his return to South Korea due to ongoing discussions about the transfer of duties, effectively halting personnel exchanges between the intelligence agencies of the two nations.

The NIS clarified on October 6 that reports alleging the U.S. had refused visas to its personnel were incorrect. They attributed some delays to new U.S. visa procedures requiring more detailed personal information, stating that the issue was not connected to intelligence cooperation between the two countries, which remains active.

Despite the NIS's explanation, diplomatic circles suspect U.S. pushback over South Korea's probe and sanctions against the e-commerce firm Coupang. Reports suggest this may have led to legislation restricting entry for related officials. Concerns in Washington also center around South Korean intelligence activities in the U.S. A former CIA analyst, Sue Mi Terry, was indicted by U.S. federal prosecutors for alleged ties to the South Korean government.

This suggests U.S. authorities are closely monitoring NIS officers. Tensions escalated earlier this year after a South Korean government official publicly identified a North Korean uranium enrichment site, leading the U.S. to restrict the sharing of certain North Korea-related intelligence. There are also reports that officials in the Trump administration doubt the South Korean intelligence chief's assessments of North Korea and China.

House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Chairman John Moolenaar has called for an examination into a potential shift in South Korea's foreign policy orientation, interpreted as reflecting growing U.S. concerns over Seoul's perceived pro-China leanings. The Trump administration has strengthened visa screening for national security reasons since assuming office.

The State Department has warned that even diplomatic and official visa applicants may face additional scrutiny and documentation requirements at the discretion of consular officials. The NIS is in close consultation with U.S. authorities over the visa issue. If the current resident official returns to South Korea as planned, his successor's accreditation might resolve the matter.

However, a prolonged delay could disrupt the regular intelligence channels between South Korea and the United States, especially considering the potential for a U.S.-North Korea summit.