Several prominent conservative South Korean politicians have called for the country to develop nuclear weapons capabilities, citing concerns over North Korea’s nuclear program and increased military cooperation with Russia. Former ruling party interim leader Han Dong-hoon, Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo, People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won and former land minister Won Hee-ryong all advocated for South Korea to pursue nuclear armament or potential nuclear capabilities.

The statements come amid heightened tensions following last week’s comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between North Korea and Russia offering mutual military assistance. The three conservatives argued that relying solely on U.S. extended deterrence has limitations given the changing global security situation. Some suggested revising the U.S.-South Korea nuclear cooperation agreement to allow for nuclear material reprocessing, while others proposed withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) for self-defense purposes.