S. Koreans positive about nuclearization, peace treaty with NK

Six out of 10 South Koreans believe the country should have its own nuclear weapons to counter nuclear North Korea, according to a Korea Times poll.

The poll showed 59.3 percent of the respondents support the country having its own nuclear arms, while 38.6 percent were against it.

The support for nuclear armament was higher among the conservative-leaning groups such as those older than 60 years old with 74.4 percent; residents in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province with 66.8 percent; the working class with 70.1 percent; and supporters of the conservative Liberty Korea Party (LKP) with 79.3 percent.

This outcome reflects the largest opposition party’s intensified efforts to push for the nuclear armament of the nation, said Park Won-gon, an international relations professor at Handong Global University.

“The conservatives seem to be affected by the LKP’s persistent moves to redeploy U.S. tactical nuclear weapons, while supporters of liberal President Moon Jae-in tend to respect the government’s steadfast efforts for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” Park said.

Recently, LKP Chairman Hong Joon-pyo again revealed his party’s bid for nuclear development during his U.S. visit. “If tactical nuclear weapons are not deployed, the LKP would push for South Korea’s own nuclear program as a last resort,” Hong said last week.

However, Park noted that the 60 percent support is not based on an accurate understanding of the path for nuclear armament — withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty and possible sanctions from international society.

“For ordinary people, it’s not easy to understand the complicated implications of the decision,” Park said. “At the same time, American President Donald Trump’s unpredictability is another factor that unnerves people, considering the inquiry stated ‘autonomous’ nuclear possession.”

Professor Yang Moo-jin from the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul echoed the point. “Such support is not based on rational judgment. Rather it’s a conclusion resulting from emotional reactions,” Yang said.

At the same time, an overwhelming number of South Koreans back the peace treaty on the condition of the denuclearization of Pyongyang. According to the poll, 77.3 percent of the respondents agreed the armistice should be replaced with a peace treaty, while only 19 percent opposed to it.

“The outcome shows that South Koreans are willing to negotiate any options that don’t harm the national interest, if the North intends to drop its nuclear ambition,” Park said. “This also proves widespread fear of North Korean nuclear weapons.”

The support for the peace treaty was particularly higher among liberals — those in their 30s with 84.2 percent and 40s with 82.9 percent; residents in Gwangju and Jeolla Provinces with 85.1 percent; workers in the sales and service industry with 84.8 percent; and supporters of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and the Justice Party with 87.8 percent and 84.3 percent each.

The peace treaty was promulgated by ex-President Kim Dae-jung, who designed the Sunshine Policy dedicated to inter-Korean dialogue, and President Moon has reiterated the idea as well.