Amidst escalating tensions with North Korea, South Korea’s nominee for Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, has signaled a willingness to consider all possible measures to counter Pyongyang’s nuclear threats. This stance, which includes exploring options beyond the existing U.S. alliance and extended deterrence strategy, has sparked speculation about South Korea potentially developing its own nuclear weapons.
Kim, a retired three-star Army general, emphasized the importance of the U.S. alliance in addressing the North Korean nuclear threat. However, he indicated that if traditional strategies prove insufficient, “all means and methods are open,” hinting at the possibility of South Korea pursuing its own nuclear deterrent.
Kim’s statement comes in response to growing domestic demands for South Korea to develop its own nuclear capabilities. These calls have intensified in recent months as North Korea has ramped up its missile testing and rhetoric. In July, North Korea accused the U.S. and South Korea of crossing a “red line” toward nuclear war with their joint military drills. The situation further escalated in August when Germany joined the U.S.-led United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea, bolstering the policing of the border with North Korea.
Kim’s appointment as Defense Minister, although not requiring National Assembly endorsement, will necessitate a parliamentary confirmation hearing. This hearing is expected to be a platform for further discussion on South Korea’s nuclear policy and its potential evolution in light of the growing threats from North Korea.
While Kim’s statements have sparked considerable speculation, it remains to be seen whether South Korea will ultimately pursue a nuclear weapons program. The potential consequences of such a move are significant, both for regional security and for South Korea’s own international relations.
