Trump Labels North Korea a 'Nuclear Power,' Sparking Backlash from Seoul
South Korea reaffirms its commitment to denuclearization as concerns grow over U.S. stance on North Korea’s nuclear status.
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea reacted strongly Tuesday after former President Donald Trump referred to North Korea as a “nuclear power,” a phrase that has raised concerns about the potential recognition of North Korea as a nuclear-armed state. The South Korean government reiterated that denuclearization of North Korea remains a critical objective for regional and global stability.
Trump’s comments came Monday during a series of executive actions at the White House. Reflecting on his past relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Trump said, “Now, he is a nuclear power,” signaling a possible shift in the U.S. approach to North Korea’s weapons programs.
“I think he’ll be happy to see I’m coming back,” Trump added, referring to his past meetings with Kim, including three high-profile summits during his first term.
The comment has raised alarms in South Korea, which has long maintained that North Korea must give up its nuclear weapons to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. South Korean officials emphasized that denuclearization remains the primary goal and “North Korea can never be recognized as a nuclear-armed state.”
Concerns Over Shifting U.S. Policy
Although it is unclear what Trump meant by his use of “nuclear power,” U.S. officials have traditionally avoided such language, fearing it could imply formal acknowledgment of North Korea as a nuclear-armed state, which could shift the diplomatic landscape in the region.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the international community, including both South Korea and the U.S., continues to support North Korea’s denuclearization. The South Korean Ministry of Defense added that a nuclear-armed North Korea would pose a grave threat not only to the region but to global security, making denuclearization an essential goal for lasting peace.
Global Impact of North Korea’s Nuclear Status
Experts have warned that recognizing North Korea as a nuclear power would significantly alter the geopolitical balance in East Asia. Such a shift could trigger an arms race, potentially leading countries like South Korea and Japan to consider developing their own nuclear weapons.
The comments also raise concerns over the future of U.S.-South Korea relations, particularly as the two nations continue their efforts to counter North Korea’s military advancements. Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University, noted that Trump’s “personalistic diplomacy” might undermine coordinated efforts to deter North Korea’s nuclear development.
For Seoul, any uncoordinated changes in U.S. policy toward North Korea’s denuclearization could leave the country vulnerable to coercion from Pyongyang, he added.
Future of U.S.-North Korea Talks
Despite the challenges, talks with North Korea have been largely stalled since the 2019 summit in Hanoi, where Trump and Kim failed to reach a deal on denuclearization. There is speculation that Trump, if he returns to the White House, may seek another summit with Kim.
In a video call with U.S. service members stationed in South Korea on Monday, Trump inquired about Kim Jong Un, signaling that North Korea remains central to his thinking.
While some experts see Trump’s approach as a pragmatic acknowledgment of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, others worry about the implications of his statements and what they may mean for future diplomatic efforts in the region.
As South Korea remains steadfast in its denuclearization goal, the debate over how the U.S. should engage with North Korea continues to evolve.