Drivers and Implications of South Korea's Nuclear Debate

The greatest driver of these desires is North Korea. North Korea’s record number of missile test launches in 2022, revised nuclear doctrine stipulating conditions for nuclear first use and Kim Jong-un’s speech outlining an ‘exponential increase of the country’s nuclear arsenal’ underscore the changing threat. The dual focus on tactical nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles highlights North Korea’s aim to sow doubt within the US–South Korea alliance by simultaneously threatening both South Korean and US cities.