of SMEs in Seoul on May 15. YONHAP
SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo is drawing a firm line in South Korea’s snap election, positioning himself as a staunch advocate of military strength and nuclear deterrence. Representing the conservative People Power Party (PPP), Kim has made clear that his foreign and security policy will be grounded in a stronger alliance with the United States, and a long-term vision for South Korea to acquire its own nuclear capability.
As tensions with North Korea persist and questions grow over regional stability, Kim has argued that Seoul can no longer rely solely on American protection. One of his key proposals is to revise the U.S.–ROK Mutual Defense Treaty to explicitly include a clause that guarantees protection in the event of a nuclear attack. He also wants U.S. strategic assets, such as bombers and submarines, deployed in South Korea at a level approaching permanent presence.
In a recent televised debate, Kim took his stance a step further, suggesting that South Korea and the U.S. jointly develop nuclear-powered submarines capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons. These submarines, he said, could patrol near the Korean Peninsula until Pyongyang agrees to dismantle its nuclear arsenal. A joint declaration outlining this strategy, he added, would be a clear signal of resolve.
But the most controversial part of his platform is the idea that South Korea should build up its own nuclear capability. Kim has called for amending the U.S.–South Korea nuclear cooperation agreement to allow uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing, technologies that would bring Seoul closer to becoming a latent nuclear power, similar to Japan. He also said South Korea should accumulate the technical expertise to design nuclear weapons, if necessary.
He hasn’t ruled out the reintroduction of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to the region, either. One option he raised was deploying them in Guam with the understanding that they would serve South Korea’s defense. Kim also floated the idea of a NATO-style nuclear sharing arrangement with the United States.
While his policy on North Korea leans heavily on deterrence, Kim has shown little interest in engagement or dialogue with Pyongyang. Instead, he’s focused on improving defense infrastructure and boosting military morale. His pledges include restoring military bonus points for veterans, enhancing food and living conditions for enlisted troops, and repositioning military service as a professional advantage rather than a disruption.
On the diplomatic front, Kim wants to pursue a wide-ranging investment pact with the U.S. that spans defense, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and nuclear energy. He has also vowed to meet with the U.S. president immediately upon taking office and to cultivate a new generation of 100,000 trade specialists. Free trade agreements with India and Middle Eastern countries are also part of his agenda.
Kim’s positions have sparked concern among some experts, who warn that a move toward indigenous nuclear weapons could isolate South Korea and provoke regional instability. Still, his message is clear. In a world of shifting alliances and growing threats, he believes strength is the only reliable safeguard. “Peace doesn’t come from hoping for the best,” he said. “It comes from power.”
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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