International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Seven in 10 South Koreans tell pollsters they want the bomb. Japan's PM refuses to rule it out. Is 'friendly proliferation' next?

Seven in 10 South Koreans support developing nuclear weapons according to polls, while Japan's PM refuses to rule out nuclear armament. The war on Iran has transformed nuclear discourse in both countries, with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warning of a potential global nuclear arms race. Analysts caution the non-proliferation order in East Asia remains intact but psychological barriers are eroding.