In the wake of North Korea's fifth nuclear test, there have been growing calls for South Korea’s nuclear armament for self-defense.

However, political observers say it is a populist claim and too unrealistic to be realized due in part to Seoul’s obligation to the nonproliferation treaty.

The call for nuclear armament was lodged first by leading lawmakers of the ruling Saenuri Party, including Chairman Lee Jung-hyun, who said last Sunday that it is necessary for politicians and the government to discuss what he called the "strong measure" to counter the North's reckless nuclear and missile programs.

Lee said there have been diverse views on ways to defend the country and the option has always been exempt for various reasons, but now is the time to put it up for discussion.

Won Yoo-chul, a former Saenuri floor leader, echoed Lee’s view, saying that South Korea's security is in a grave state.

Currently, there are only a few advocates for the country's nuclear armament in the opposition parties. But now, more opposition lawmakers are starting to support the idea of South Korea’s nuclear development and the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons.

Critics, however, dismiss the demand as unrealistic, citing South Korea’s membership of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT), which is a virtually non-retractable agreement.

If South Korea withdraws from the treaty, it will be put under economic sanctions by the international community. Pulling out of the treaty would also make it difficult for South Korea to secure enriched uranium as a source for its nuclear power plants which would reduce its ability to produce electricity.

Critics say South Korea will also face significant political pressure if its call for nuclear armament triggers similar demands from Japan and Taiwan, leading to a nuclear armament race in the region.
Seoul’s presidential office has assured that there is no change in the government’s position against nuclear armament for self-defense, saying that the South Korea-U.S. alliance has a strong deterrence against the North Korean nuclear and missile threats.

U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy Sung Kim, who was visiting Seoul this week for talks with his South Korean counterpart, also expressed opposition to the proposal to redeploy tactical nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula.