[Editorial] Nuclear Illiteracy

Michael McDevitt, director for Strategic Studies at the Center for Naval Analysis, had an interview with Dong-A Ilbo on October 24, saying, “South Korea is the only country put in an actual danger due to North Korea’s nuclear weapons.” He adds, “It will take several years for North Korea to miniaturize its nuclear weapons enough to arm missiles. At this point, North Korea can merely use nuclear weapons by trucks or bombers, which means it aims at South Korea only.”

His analysis as an expert of nuclear weapons proves that South Korean government does not properly recognize the reality. Even President Roh Moo-hyun commented, “North Korea’s nuclear development is not for a first strike, but for defense” (at a conference invited by veteran leaders on May 29). “Not only insensibility of safety, but also overly sensitiveness of safety is dangerous” (at an interview after the Korea-Japan summit talks on October 9). The president even said, “North Korea’s nuclear problem can be turned into a good chance if we can manage it” (at a conference to promote Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games on October 18).

No matter how nuclear-illiterate a person is, he/she knows the North did not develop nuclear weapons to attack the U.S. and Japan. They started their nuclear program to catch up in the difference of national strength between the South and the North, and if it is developed enough to be dropped carried by a bomber, South Korea is its only target.

However, the government says, “North Korea’s nuclear weapons are aimed at the U.S.” And they straightforwardly exposed their recognition that it is America’s responsibility for North Korea’s nuclear test. It seems natural that Newsweek reports, “They blame neoconservatives of Washington D.C. more than Kim Jong Il,” as pointing out Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok and Chief Presidential Security Secretary Song Min-soon. It is a pity for 48 million people who risk their lives and properties for this government.

The government should think otherwise no later than now. There is no guarantee that the U.S. will provide its nuclear umbrella when a dangerous situation occurs. Without a strong military alliance between Korea and the U.S., all we can do is surrender to the North’s nuclear threat and become their slaves. The dismantlement of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command and the wartime command transfer could send wrong messages such as “a falling of alliance,” or “a weakness of deterrence” to North Korea. It is Madavitt’s bitter warning for the incumbent government, which seems nuclear-illiterate.