Amidst the growing threat from North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, South Koreans are voicing concerns and pondering over the idea of reintroducing US tactical nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula. A recent survey conducted by the Korea Society Opinion Institute (KSOI) from September 8-9 revealed that 68.2 percent of respondents favor the redeployment of US tactical nukes, which were withdrawn in 1991. Concurrently, a Gallup poll found that 60 percent believe South Korea should arm itself with nuclear weapons.
This resurgence of nuclear armament advocacy aligns with the conservative Liberty Korea Party’s (LKP) drive to ensure the nation’s security against North Korea’s escalating nuclear threats. The LKP, which has adopted the redeployment of US tactical nuclear weapons into its party platform, considers achieving a “nuclear balance” as the optimum strategy for South Korea’s defense.
The context for this sentiment partly stems from apprehensions regarding the possible return of former US President Donald Trump to office. His previous comments suggesting a potential pullout of US troops from South Korea and questioning the necessity of the US military presence there have rekindled debates about South Korea’s nuclear options.
Conservative South Korean newspapers and lawmakers like Yoon Sang-hyun are reassessing the nuclear arms idea, once deemed unthinkable.
Current US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the US commitment to defending South Korea, promising to increase the deployment of advanced military assets like fighter jets and aircraft carriers in response to North Korean threats. South Korea’s spokesperson, Ahn Eunju, emphasized that North Korea’s provocations necessitate a stern reaction to ensure the citizens’ protection.
North Korea has warned it is ready to counter US military moves with the “most overwhelming nuclear force,” seeing the expanded US-South Korea military drills as aggressive.
Experts say Kim’s nuclear push is aimed at forcing the United States to accept the idea of North Korea as a nuclear power so it can negotiate badly needed economic concessions from a position of strength.
Relevant articles:
– Do South Koreans Really Want U.S. Tactical Nukes Back on the Korean Peninsula?, National Intererst, 05/05/2024
– Trump’s possible return reignites South Korea nuclear debate, Voice of America – VOA News, 05/03/2024
– N. Korea warns of ‘overwhelming nuclear force’ to counter US, Yahoo Movies UK, 05/03/2024
– U.S.-Japan missile development project to cost over $3 billion, Kyodo News Plus, 05/03/2024
– Buoyed By European Success, South Korea Targets US For Its FA-50 Jets; Announces New Plan To Boost Sales, EurAsian Times, 05/02/2024