Part 6/10:
The cooperation between Seoul and Washington raises concerns about South Korea’s nuclear intentions. Historically, South Korea has demonstrated a pattern of clandestine uranium enrichment activities capable of producing weapons-grade materials—activities the IAEA has often scrutinized but which they dismiss as technical mishaps or "accidents."
Over decades, South Korea has maintained the capacity to develop nuclear weapons rapidly if needed, a capability that has existed in the background for years. The promise of nuclear-powered submarines unintentionally bolsters this potential, as it provides a mobile, stealthy platform that could, in a short span, be armed with nuclear missiles should the political decision be made.