South Korea must develop nuclear weapons to strengthen its defense against North Korea, despite the risk of international repercussions. On this subject reported Seoul Mayor Oh Se Hoon in an interview with Reuters.
He noted that the DPRK has managed to lighten tactical nuclear weapons and “gained 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 and stick to the idea of denuclearization,” Oh Se Hoon said.
The Seoul mayor noted that the crisis in Ukraine has reinforced his belief that nuclear disarmament has lost its appeal. According to him, nuclear weapons will be the most effective means of deterring North Korea.
Oh Se Hoon admitted that the international community will initially oppose South Korea’s nuclear program, but over time it will “gain more support.”
The mayor of Seoul is one of South Korea’s top officials, advocating that the country acquire nuclear weapons, Reuters notes.
In January, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol said the country could develop its own nuclear weapons or deploy them on its territory if relations with the DPRK worsen. He charged to provide such military power that will allow South Korea to respond “in a hundred or even a thousand times” in the event of an attack on Seoul.
In turn, South Korean Prime Minister Han Dok-soo said in a conversation with CNN in early March that it would be wrong to develop a nuclear capability in response to the North Korean threat. He said South Korea, together with the global community, should exert “constant pressure” on the DPRK for nuclear disarmament.
At the end of December 2022, five North Korean drones infiltrated South Korean airspace. The South Korean military has used fighter jets and attack helicopters to take out the drones, and civilian flights have been suspended.
After the incident, South Korea’s president warned of a move to suspend a 2018 deal aimed at reducing military tensions with North Korea.
