South Korea Issues Draft Law for Jangbogo-N Nuclear Submarine Program
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South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense published a legislative notice on July 29 for a special act to establish a legal framework, nuclear safety management, and procurement for the Jangbogo-N nuclear-powered attack submarine program. The bill is set to be submitted to the National Assembly after a public consultation period ending September 7. Seoul seeks to complete enactment by the end of 2026, despite the need for parliamentary approval.
The Legislative Notice
The notice, published on July 29, outlines a special act designed to govern the acquisition, operation, and nuclear-safety oversight of South Korea’s first nuclear-powered submarines. The Ministry of National Defense has set enactment by the end of 2026 as a policy goal, though the bill must pass a public comment period through September 7 before submission to the National Assembly. The legislation does not authorize construction but represents the conversion of Seoul’s long-standing ambition into a structured program.
Non‑Proliferation Safeguards
The draft explicitly states that the program is not for developing, manufacturing, or using nuclear weapons and that nuclear material will not be diverted for such purposes. It commits to compliance with the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency for verification. Seoul is embedding these commitments in law to reassure Washington and international safeguards institutions as it enters the sensitive field of naval nuclear propulsion.
Legal Rationale
The defense ministry argues that existing South Korean law cannot adequately cover nuclear submarines, as they combine a military weapons system with nuclear propulsion for the first time. The special act aims to unify defense acquisition and nuclear-safety management under a single legal instrument. The ministry identified gaps in current legislation that necessitate a tailored framework.
What's Next
The public consultation concludes September 7, after which the ministry plans to submit the bill to the National Assembly. It remains uncertain whether the legislation will pass before the 2026 target, given the political sensitivities surrounding nuclear issues and the potential for parliamentary delays.
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South Korea Issues Draft Law for Jangbogo-N Nuclear Submarine Program
