Key facts
- 65% of South Koreans support the independent possession of nuclear weapons.
- 30% of South Koreans oppose the idea of independent nuclear armament.
- Support for nuclear weapons is higher among supporters of the main opposition People Power Party (78%) compared to the ruling Democratic Party (60%).
- 39% of respondents believe North Korea could initiate a war.
- 46% of respondents believe wartime operational control (OPCON) should be transferred from the U.S. by 2030.
A significant majority of South Koreans support the idea of their country independently possessing nuclear weapons, according to a poll released by Gallup Korea. The survey found that 65% of respondents agreed with the nation developing its own nuclear arsenal, while 30% were opposed.
Support for independent nuclear armament varied across political lines. Among supporters of the main opposition People Power Party, 78% favored possessing nuclear weapons, while 60% of those aligned with the ruling Democratic Party held the same view. The poll also explored public sentiment regarding North Korea's potential to initiate conflict, with 39% believing it possible and 55% disagreeing. Notably, a majority of those who did not perceive an immediate war risk still supported South Korea's nuclear ambitions, suggesting a view of nuclear weapons as a deterrent.
The survey also touched upon the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) of troops from the United States. Forty-six percent of respondents indicated that the transfer should be completed during President Lee Jae Myung's term, which concludes in 2030, while 41% advocated for postponing the handover. The poll, conducted from Tuesday to Thursday among 1,001 South Koreans aged 18 and older, had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.