President Yoon visit to the US

On April 24, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrived in the United States for a State Visit. The six-day trip appears to have been a success, with America reaffirming full military support, including nuclear, to South Korea should North Korea ever attack, in hopes of deterrence. In exchange, South Korea agreed to not develop its own nuclear weapons (BBC).

Despite the recent tension over leaked documents with details of suspected America spying on South Korea, both presidents seemed at ease with each other, during their sixth meeting since last May. . This is just the second state dinner hosted by President Biden, which featured a blend of Korean and American culture present among the decor, meal, and guests. After dinner and the usual entertainment, President Yoon even sang his favorite song, “American Pie” to roaring applause and whoops (NYT).

On a more serious note, the main reason for President Yoon’s visit was to gain assurance of his country’s security. North Korea has long been developing nuclear weapons and frequently tests missiles off their coastline and boasts of extraordinary capabilities. Although nothing has been confirmed, it is suspected that North Korea has around 30~40 weapons and are set to develop 6 or 7 per year. Seoul, only 23 kilometers away from the border, would be a direct target (NYT).

During detailed discussions, Korea was assured a key role in planning for the usage of nuclear weapons—should a conflict with North Korea materialize. It was also confirmed that the U.S. would send nuclear ballistic missile submarines to dock in South Korea, for the first time in 30 years. In return, Korea has promised not to pursue any effort to develop their own nuclear weapons, which Yoon has appeared to want earlier this year (NYT). South Korea gave us its nuclear weapons program when it signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty almost 50 years ago (The Guardian). Washington hopes to keep this treaty in place.

As part of the enhanced agreement, the U.S. and South Korea will create a Nuclear Consultative Group, which will serve the important role of coordinating all military responses to North Korea. However, the agreement clearly states that the American president has the sole authority to decide whether to launch a nuclear weapon attack (NYT).

South Korea is looking for a guarantee that the U.S. will deter a North Korean nuclear strike with their own nuclear strike - “even if that risks a North Korean attack on an American city” (NYT). A risk no president of any country ever hopes to face.