Shifts in South Korea's Nuclear Policy Amid Growing North Korea Threat

Potential Shift in South Korean Nuclear Stance

Na Kyung-won, a high-ranking Korean politician and a strong contender to lead South Korea's main opposition, has advocated for the development of domestic nuclear weapons. This suggestion is seen as a reaction to the growing nuclear tensions with North Korea. Kyung-won shared this strategic proposal via social media, expressing her viewpoint that nations must have the capability to stifle external threats to preserve their sovereignty. In her vision, South Korea would pursue nuclear armament, guided by core principles of international balance and in close partnership with the United States.

Evolution of South Korea's Nuclear Nonproliferation Stance

Historically, South Korea has adhered to a policy of nuclear nonproliferation, having joined the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in 1975. This international agreement bans its state parties from pursuing nuclear weapons. Despite conducting nuclear research, South Korea has remained committed to this principle. Nevertheless, continuous efforts by North Korea's Kim Jong Un to advance its offensive nuclear capabilities have prompted ongoing international criticism and a potential reassessment of South Korea's stance. This scenario escalated in 2023 when then-President Yoon Suk-Yeol speculated that South Korea could consider acquiring its own nuclear arsenal if the issue with North Korea persisted. Later that same year, in an effort to curb South Korea's nuclear plans, the U.S. offered to station nuclear-equipped submarines in the country.

Escalating Tensions and Border Altercations

The opposition's call for nuclear development comes amidst an atmosphere of heightened tensions between the two states, punctuated by numerous borderline clashes. Notably, North Korea recently proclaimed a successful test launch of an advanced ballistic missile with a large warhead. Reports from the South Korean military indicated one missile behaved erratically, likely crashing near the capital, Pyongyang. Additionally, North Korea launched a hypersonic missile over the Sea of Japan in late June, which subsequently exploded mid-flight. Satellite images from mid-June showed sizeable land areas cleared along the demilitarized Korean border, presumably to erect a wall. There have been several incidents of North Korean soldiers crossing this border, compelling South Korean forces to respond with warning shots.