{"id":2207636,"date":"2024-12-24T14:40:57","date_gmt":"2024-12-24T05:40:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2207636"},"modified":"2024-12-25T17:28:15","modified_gmt":"2024-12-25T08:28:15","slug":"why-a-democratic-party-led-south-korea-will-reject-nuclear-weapons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/why-a-democratic-party-led-south-korea-will-reject-nuclear-weapons\/","title":{"rendered":"Why a Democratic Party-led South Korea will reject nuclear weapons"},"content":{"rendered":"
Editor\u2019s note: This is the second in a multi-part series exploring South Korean policy changes that could emerge under a Democratic Party president. Part one on foreign and trade policies can be read <\/span><\/i>here<\/span><\/i><\/a>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Talk in South Korea about the merits of going nuclear has ramped up in recent years, particularly among conservatives, amid concerns about the U.S. commitment to Seoul\u2019s defense.<\/span><\/p>\n But with the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) primed to reclaim the presidency following President Yoon Suk-yeol\u2019s <\/span>impeachment<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> analysis suggests that a DP-led government is unlikely to pursue nuclear weapons, even as Trump\u2019s imminent return threatens to test the U.S.-ROK alliance.<\/span><\/p>\n Instead of endorsing nukes, the DP is likely to focus on increasing investment in advanced defense systems and nuclear-powered submarines \u2014 a longtime priority of progressives \u2014 while building on the Yoon-era platform for discussing extended deterrence with Washington to guard against new North Korean threats.<\/span><\/p>\n REBUILDING CREDIBILITY OVER NUCLEAR AMBITIONS<\/b><\/p>\n Yoon Suk-yeol\u2019s <\/span>martial law declaration<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>alleged plans<\/span><\/a> to provoke North Korea into attacking the South have left South Korea\u2019s international credibility in tatters.<\/span><\/p>\n If the claims about provoking Pyongyang are proven to be true, it will raise profound concerns about Seoul\u2019s stability and governance, painting a picture of a leadership willing to manipulate geopolitical tensions and risk international conflict for domestic political gain.<\/span><\/p>\n While such plans have not yet been verified, they will certainly have alarmed the U.S., which relies on South Korea as a linchpin of regional security. The notion of intentionally instigating a North Korean attack to justify declaring martial law not only undermines trust within the U.S.-ROK alliance, but also damages South Korea\u2019s image as a responsible and mature global actor.<\/span><\/p>\n This erosion of credibility will significantly weaken what little international support South Korea has had for the development of an indigenous nuclear weapons program.<\/span><\/p>\n Instead, a DP-led government will likely focus on strengthening conventional military capabilities, exploring nuclear submarine technology and leveraging its alliance with the U.S. and partnerships with other countries to maintain regional stability.<\/span><\/p>\n