Trump's victory emboldens Seoul's nuclear armament advocates

A group of hawkish lawmakers gathered Friday to discuss South Korea's development of its own nuclear weapon amid the rising geopolitical uncertainties on the Korean Peninsula following the victory of Republican Donald Trump in the US presidential election.

A number of lawmakers at the ruling Saenuri Party have been insisting South Korea must consider having its own nukes, following the continuous provocations made by Pyongyang which staged nuclear and missile tests throughout this year.

"President-elect Trump has been making remarks on prioritizing the United States' (interests) as well as seeking isolationism, while questioning the budget-sharing of US troops in South Korea during his campaign," said Rep. Won Yoo-chul, one of the advocates for Seoul's nuke armament.

"If such visions of Trump are actually made true, South Korea will face major changes in the security environment that cannot be ignored," Won said, adding Seoul should also come up with its own strategies.

Pundits said the security uncertainties sparked by Trump's win may also have an adverse impact on the Seoul-Washington alliance, giving an extra push for the nuclear advocates here.

Other lawmakers, however, expressed concerns on the radical argument.

"Discussing such things do not help the alliance, let alone the economy," Rep. Kim Young-woo of Saenuri said. "South Korea's nuke armament will damage the alliance with the US, and the export-reliant country cannot leave the Nonproliferation Treaty, taking the path of Pyongyang."

US President-elect Trump, meanwhile, on Thursday said the United States will be "steadfast and strong" in defending against North Korea during his telephone conversation with South Korean President Park Geun-hye. (Yonhap)