Lawmakers raise voices on Korea's nuke armament

"We need to consider every option, including deploying tactical nuclear weapons, developing our own nukes, striking North Korea's related facilities, and demolishing Kim Jong-un's regime," Rep. Lee Cheol-woo of Saenuri said during an interpellation session held at the National Assembly.

"South Korea should not delay the move in fear of international sanctions, or possible discord with China. This is a chance to conclude North Korea's nuke issue once and for all," Lee added.

The Saenuri lawmaker added Seoul should continue its talks with Washington to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula.

Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun from the ruling party, who has been opposing such hawkish claims, also said tactical nuclear weapons can be an option if North Korea crosses the line.

"We can have the United States deploy bombers or nuclear-powered submarines," Yoon said, adding such efforts must be done if North Korea conducts additional nuke tests or launches more missiles.

Yoon, however, said using nuclear weapons may devastate the Korean Peninsula, adding it will be better to induce North Korea to embrace democracy.

Rep. Kim Jin-pyo of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea also supported the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, adding Seoul will have no other choice if China and Russia continues to make sluggish moves on imposing effective sanctions on the North.

In response to such claims, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn reiterated that the South Korean government will continue to support denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Hwang added Seoul will continue to coordinate with Washington to deal with North Korean issues, although he agrees that more sanctions must be slapped on Pyongyang.

"If North Korea continues to choose the path of nuclear development, having conversations with Pyongyang will only help them earn more time so they can make more progress," Hwang also said, adding the government is still not considering having talks in the face of provocations.

Hwang also pointed out that North Korea conducted a nuke test even when its residents were suffering from floods, adding Pyongyang should have prioritized its flood-stricken residents.

Defense Minister Han Min-koo vowed to make various moves against North Korea's nuke provocations, adding Seoul is capable of defending itself from Pyongyang's nuclear weapons.

"The Seoul-Washington's military alliance, as well as South Korea's political, diplomatic, intelligence and economy capabilities will curb Pyongyang's nukes," Han also said during the interpellation.

Han then made clear that there are no health risks associated with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery's radar system.

Concerning an opinion that South Korea should consider adopting a volunteer military system, Han said the country needs at least

500,000 soldiers to maintain security against 1.2 million North Korean troops, adding it is complicated to sustain such a number without conscription.

South Korea at present makes it mandatory for all able-bodied men to serve around two years in the military.

"Many European countries have adopted voluntary systems, but Britain, France, and Germany do not have an enemy after the Cold War," Han pointed out.  (Yonhap)