• South Korea has dismissed U.S. nominee Pete Hegseth's description of North Korea as a 'nuclear power.'
• Seoul reiterated that under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, North Korea cannot be recognized as such.
• The issue has elevated concerns about regional security and diplomatic relations following Hegseth's remarks.
• The comments come amid rising public support in South Korea for acquiring nuclear weapons.
• Current U.S. policy remains unchanged, with officials clarifying there is no recognition of North Korea's nuclear status.

South Korea's foreign ministry has emphatically rejected the recent characterization of North Korea as a "nuclear power" by Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Hegseth underscored concerns regarding North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, stating that the reclusive nation poses a significant threat, particularly due to its advancing missile technology capable of carrying nuclear warheads. However, South Korean officials interpreted his statement as an implicit recognition of North Korea's status as a nuclear weapons state, which would contradict the principles of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) (South China Morning Post) they staunchly uphold.

In response, the South Korean foreign ministry asserted, "Under the NPT, North Korea can never be recognized as a nuclear-armed state.” This sentiment aligns with ongoing international efforts to denuclearize the North, a principle consistently endorsed by both South Korea and the United States. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby affirmed that the Biden administration’s stance remains unchanged, emphasizing that they do not acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear power.

Hegseth's comments have raised alarms in Seoul, especially as relations between the U.S. and its ally South Korea face uncertainty due to recent political upheaval, including the arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol. His remarks not only manage to unsettle diplomatic ties but also highlight a shift in public sentiment; a notable proportion of the South Korean populace reportedly supports acquiring their own nuclear capabilities in light of escalating threats from the North.

Despite dealing with allegations of misconduct himself, Hegseth has called for increased defense burden-sharing among allies, reflecting a broader strategy of enhancing military readiness against North Korean aggression. Nevertheless, South Koreans and U.S. leaders remain vigilant regarding the implications of recognizing North Korea's nuclear capabilities, favoring diplomatic avenues over escalated military posturing. For more on this growing tension, read the full article on USA Today.