South Korea Could Build Nuclear Submarines, But It Shouldn’t

Article excerpt

South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced in May 2026 a plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines, a long-sought military capability. The roadmap emerged from President Lee Jae Myung's newly formed Future Defense Strategy Committee, aimed at bolstering Seoul's self-reliant defense posture. But the article argues this direction is misguided, suggesting the submarine ambition carries strategic risks or opportunity costs worth reconsidering.