Can Washington and Seoul tame South Koreans' nuclear ambitions?

Doubts linger on U.S. commitment to defend ally as North continues atomic buildup

20231227 South Korea U.S. nuclear submarine

A U.S. nuclear submarine arrives at a naval base on the South Korean island of Jeju in July. © Reuters

TORU TSUNASHIMA and JUNNOSUKE KOBARA, Nikkei staff writers

December 31, 2023 17:50 JST

TOKYO/SEOUL -- With North Korea and China ramping up their nuclear capabilities, South Korea faces a dilemma: Should it rely on the U.S. nuclear umbrella or pursue its own atomic arms? Despite the U.S. guarantee of a shield to counter the North Korean nuclear threat, many South Koreans are skeptical of America's commitment and willingness to defend them in a crisis.