South Korea wants to develop its own nuclear weapons to defend itself against the DPRK, even if it carries negative international consequences, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said in an interview with Reuters.
“North Korea has successfully miniaturized and lightened tactical nuclear weapons and possesses at least dozens of warheads. We have come to a point where it is difficult to convince people with logic that we should refrain from developing nuclear weapons,” Oh Se Hoon said.
He noted that the conflict in Ukraine has once again confirmed his view that the idea of reducing nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula has lost its appeal and that such weapons are the most effective way to deter Pyongyang.
As for the possible consequences of peace in the form of sanctions, the mayor of Seoul said that South Korea’s nuclear program would be a signal for large countries, such as China, to influence the DPRK and limit its military build-up. .
Earlier, South Korean President Yoon Sok-yeol said the country could deploy other countries’ nuclear weapons or quickly create its own if the threat from the DPRK continues to grow. Meanwhile, the prime minister later told reporters that Seoul did not plan to receive nuclear weapons and hoped the United States could contain the DPRK.
