Tensions rise as South Koreans favor nuclear arms development amid North Korea’s growing threat: Survey

A recent survey conducted by Gallup Korea indicates that about 72.8% of South Koreans believe their country should develop nuclear weapons, citing concerns over the growing threat from North Korea. The poll, commissioned by the Seoul-based Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, was released on Monday.

In addition, there is widespread pessimism among locals regarding the likelihood of North Korea renouncing its nuclear program, with 91.1% considering it impossible—an increase from 77.6% in the previous year’s survey. Park In-kook, the president of the Chey Institute, remarked during a press briefing on Monday that this outcome is indicative of North Korea’s military progress and its constitutional amendment in September, which asserted the right to engage in preemptive nuclear strikes.

Tensions are at peak levels on the Korean Peninsula, marked by numerous weapons tests and aggressive language from Pyongyang. In recent weeks, North Korea has carried out four cruise missile launches and tested a new solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile equipped with a hypersonic warhead. Additionally, North Korea revealed an underwater drone purportedly capable of nuclear detonation and fired artillery rounds close to the de facto maritime border with South Korea, leading to evacuation directives on two islands.

During a January policy address, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un denounced the maritime border, referred to as the Northern Limit Line, as “illegal,” cautioning South Korea against any infringement as a “war provocation.” He also renounced the longstanding aspiration of reunification with South Korea, labelling it the “primary enemy state.” According to the Chey/Gallup survey conducted from December 15 to January 10, respondents displayed decreased confidence in the United States’ ability to utilize its nuclear umbrella to shield South Korea from a North Korean assault.

Approximately 60.8% expressed scepticism that the United States would deploy nuclear deterrence if it meant facing potential nuclear attacks from North Korea targeting the U.S. mainland. This heightened scepticism, which was 12% higher compared to the previous year, reflects more the evolving threat posed by North Korea rather than a lack of trust in Washington, as stated by Park.