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National Intelligence Service says intelligence cooperation with the US remains active though some North Korea nuclear data is restricted

On Sunday, 11 October 2026, South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) said intelligence cooperation with the United States remains active across many areas.
It listed North Korean missiles, North Korea's conventional military capabilities, international relations, cybersecurity and counterintelligence.
The NIS said intelligence sharing takes place "in a reciprocal and mutually beneficial manner".
It acknowledged that Washington has restricted some North Korea nuclear-related intelligence since a March dispute after Unification Minister Chung Dong-young publicly named Kusong as a North Korean uranium-enrichment site.
The NIS is headed by Director Lee Jong-seok; the main opposition People Power Party has called for the dismissal of Chung and Lee.

NIS Director: Lee Jong-seok Site named in March: Kusong
Why it matters for exams: Intelligence sharing is a pillar of the South Korea-US alliance against North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes.
Kerala PSCUPSC
11 October 2026 Source: The Korea Herald

In plain words

NIS National Intelligence Service — South Korea's main intelligence agency, which works under the direct control of the President.

Counterintelligence Counterintelligence — Work to detect and stop spying by foreign intelligence services.

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