US Think Tank Describes South Korean Government's Nuclear Submarine Push as "Entrepreneurial Ambition"

In a recently released report, the Asia Policy Institute, a U.S.-based think tank, analyzed the nuclear strategy of the Lee Jae-myung administration, characterizing it as having "entrepreneurial ambition" regarding nuclear potential, including uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing technologies.

The report, titled "Extended Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific" and published last month, covers the nuclear strategies of South Korea, Japan, and Australia as subtopics.

In particular, the report provides a 14-page detailed analysis of the ongoing nuclear strategy discussions in South Korea, categorizing them into four types: nuclear minimalists, nuclear negotiators, nuclear entrepreneurs, and nuclear opportunists.

The think tank explained that these categories are based on two criteria: the strength of the will to develop indigenous nuclear capabilities and the willingness to take risks in that process.

Nuclear minimalists are described as having a weak will for nuclear capabilities and a tendency to avoid risk. They trust the U.S. nuclear umbrella and worry that nuclear discussions in South Korea could negatively impact the ROK-U.S. alliance.

Nuclear negotiators do not have a strong will for nuclear armament themselves, but believe that the discourse on nuclear armament within South Korea can be used as leverage in negotiations with countries like the United States.

Nuclear entrepreneurs have a strong will to enhance nuclear capabilities but seek to pursue them quietly and pragmatically, while nuclear opportunists are described as those who openly advocate for the strengthening of nuclear capabilities.

The report analyzed that the Lee Jae-myung administration exhibits characteristics of both "nuclear minimalists" and "nuclear entrepreneurs."

It noted that President Lee Jae-myung shows minimalist traits in that he has stated that South Korea's independent nuclear armament is "impossible" and emphasizes the importance of U.S. extended deterrence.

However, the report added that the administration takes on an entrepreneurial character in that it seeks to advance its nuclear capabilities to the extent possible without drawing suspicion from neighboring countries.

The report analyzed that this entrepreneurial style has been particularly evident in South Korea's recent push to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

It explained that "President Lee has pressured the U.S. side for broader fuel cycle rights, including the ability to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and enrich uranium, as part of a larger package related to the introduction of nuclear submarines."

Regarding the Lee Jae-myung administration's nuclear submarine diplomacy, the report assessed that it combines "a minimalist-style assurance that there is no intention to weaponize nuclear capabilities, based on the ROK-U.S. alliance," with "an entrepreneurial-style ambition that signifies long-term efforts to negotiate nuclear fuel cycles and supply contracts."

Reported by Kim Minjeong | Video by Choi Gang-san | Graphics by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.