Lawmakers of the ruling Saenuri Party remained wary of floor leader Rep. Won Yu-chul’s argument that South Korea needs to be armed with nuclear weapons for self-defense against North Korea’s threats.

While some supported the whip’s controversial statement Monday as he delivered his first floor speech at the plenary session, some others distanced themselves, saying it was Won’s personal opinion.

Won’s former running mate, chief policymaker Rep. Kim Jung-hoon was one of those who supported him.

He said that while nuclear armament may not be doable imminently, it is important to secure capabilities to develop one.

He said that the current South Korea-U.S. civilian nuclear accord should be revised to allow Seoul to reprocess the spent fuel. He said that the issue should be discussed in conjunction with the discussion on deploying U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system in the South.

Other lawmakers, especially those considered to be close associates of President Park Geun-hye, remained cautious.

“The argument is not realistic,” said Rep. Kim Jae-won, former special communications advisor to Park, during a radio interview. He cited the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, of which South Korea is a member since 1975. Under the pact, Seoul is banned from developing nukes.

He said Seoul’s nuclear armament will lead Tokyo to do the same, all the while facing international scrutiny and potentially sanctions.

Rep. Hong Moon-jong of the same party also said in a radio interview, “What good would it do to be armed with nuclear weapons in the current global condition?”

Rep. Kil Jeong-woo, a foreign affairs expert, agreed and said, “Although I understand (Won) and where he’s coming from, it is a problem that will cost us extensively realistically. I hope such concerns are taken into consideration (before making such an argument).” 

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)