South Korea’s debate over nuclear autonomy grew sharper on Tuesday as President Lee Jae Myung dismissed calls for nuclear weapons. He said these arguments weaken Seoul’s effort to secure civil nuclear rights and long-term fuel technology. Lee stressed that nuclear autonomy must remain focused on peaceful enrichment, not military capability.
He told ministers that ongoing speculation disrupts trust with Washington and slows technical discussions. Lee argued that the government needs space to negotiate uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing rights. He added that energy security and technological independence require long-term planning, not emotional politics.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed that Washington still worries about proliferation risks. He said some US officials find the domestic weapons debate troubling. Still, Cho emphasized that diplomacy remains the only realistic way to advance nuclear autonomy under existing treaties.
Lee warned that pursuing nuclear weapons would trigger foreign sanctions and collapse international cooperation. He asked whether South Korea could survive economic isolation or withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He stated that such scenarios are not realistic and damage national interests.
The government announced new working groups with the United States to follow up on summit agreements. These groups will coordinate talks on enrichment, spent fuel strategies, and nuclear-powered submarine development. First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo urged Washington to move quickly and honor prior commitments.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said the United States supports peaceful nuclear cooperation if it aligns with current agreements and US law. He also pointed to recent progress in trade and visa issues linked to broader alliance modernization.
Industry analysts say South Korea wants stronger defense capabilities and stable nuclear fuel access. They note that submarine propulsion and independent fuel cycles represent long-term strategic goals. However, many experts warn that global trust remains essential while nuclear autonomy remains a sensitive topic.
Both governments plan more meetings to refine scope, timelines, and division of responsibilities. Officials expect slow but steady progress through formal channels. For now, nuclear autonomy remains a priority shaped by diplomacy, caution, and strategic planning.
