S. Korean envoy says progress made in intelligence cooperation with US amid friction concerns

South Korea's top envoy to the United States, Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha, stated on Monday that advancements have been achieved in enhancing intelligence cooperation between Seoul and Washington, despite apprehensions regarding apparent discord between the two allies. During a parliamentary audit at the South Korean Embassy in Washington, she addressed inquiries about bilateral intelligence cooperation during her remarks.

Addressing the controversy, Ambassador Kang acknowledged that intelligence agencies of both nations have communicated and that progress has been made in terms of improving cooperation. This statement comes after heightened speculation over bilateral friction following the South Korean National Intelligence Service's disclosure that it was excluded from a June trilateral meeting, which also involved Japan, on North Korean cyber threats.

Local media reports suggested that the agency was omitted at the request of Washington. The intelligence field has witnessed friction between South Korea and the U.S. following the public disclosure by Seoul Unification Minister Chung Dong-young of a North Korean uranium enrichment facility.