Opening Pandora's Box: Is South Korea's Nuclearization Feasible and Desirable?

ABSTRACT The nuclear armament debate has become prominent in contemporary South Korean politics, driven by security concerns toward North Korea's nuclear development and the credibility of U.S. extended nuclear deterrence. The Trump 2.0 Presidency has further heightened the debate, with advocates claiming strategic opportunities and necessities for South Korea's nuclear independence. This article examines the debate, evaluating the feasibility and desirability of nuclear armament. The article argues that technological, diplomatic, and domestic political factors pose obstacles to current feasibility. Even if such obstacles are mitigated, nuclear armament has limited security benefits and negative trade‐offs, limiting its desirability as a long‐term strategic solution. This article contributes to the literature by offering a critical yet holistic perspective on the implications of South Korea's nuclearization, urging policymakers, and the public not to view nuclear weapons as a panacea, but rather to weigh their risks and benefits alongside alternative security approaches.