Majority of South Koreans Support Developing Nuclear Weapons, Poll Shows
Quick Look
A Gallup Korea poll reveals 65% of South Koreans support developing nuclear weapons, with backing from both conservative and ruling party voters, despite government warnings about non-proliferation violations and sanctions.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
South Korea has relied on the US nuclear umbrella for security, but recent polling shows growing public support for independent nuclear capabilities amid concerns about US commitment to extended deterrence.
SEOUL, August 28. /TASS/. Nearly two-thirds of South Koreans (65%) back the idea of their country having its own nuclear arsenal, Yonhap news agency reported on Friday citing data provided by a Gallup Korea poll.
The poll was conducted on August 25-27 with 1,001 respondents aged over 18 participating.
According to Yonhap, 65% of respondents agreed that the Republic of Korea should be in possession of its own nuclear weapons. Only 30% opposed this idea.
At the same time, this idea is supported by both political camps: 78% of supporters of the conservative People Power Party, which is in opposition, and 60% of voters of the ruling Democratic Party.
Thirty nine percent of the respondents believe that a military conflict could break out on the peninsula. Fifty five percent of those who took part in the poll said they did not see such a risk. Nevertheless, 58% of those who do not expect war on the Korean peninsula would support the development of nuclear weapons in the Republic of Korea.
The South Korean government has repeatedly stated that the development of nuclear weapons in the country would violate the non-proliferation system and is impossible due to possible sanctions.
On August 16, US President Donald Trump recalled his "good relations" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and said he had ordered a reduction in the scale and timeline of joint military drills with South Korea.
Public concerns emerged in South Korea that the Trump administration was going to abandon the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and move on to discussing arms control with North Korea.
Seoul later assured that the United States and South Korea continue to seek a nuclear-weapon-free status for the Korean Peninsula.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
South Korea will continue to debate nuclear weapons development publicly despite official opposition
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- How would South Korea develop nuclear weapons given international treaties?
- What specific sanctions might be imposed if South Korea pursued nuclear weapons?
- How would North Korea likely respond to a nuclear-armed South Korea?
