South Korea’s support for independent nuclear weapons is high, according to a Gallup Korea poll. The survey shows 65% of respondents agree South Korea should possess nuclear weapons on its own, while 30% oppose the idea.
The polling results are described as appearing alongside concerns about regional security. The Gallup survey of 1,001 South Koreans aged 18 and older is conducted from Tuesday to Thursday, and it finds higher support among People Power Party supporters (78%) than among Democratic Party of Korea supporters (60%). The poll also measures views on the likelihood of conflict with North Korea: 39% say North Korea could start a war, while 55% say it would not. Among respondents who do not see a war risk, 58% still support South Korea having nuclear weapons.
Both outlets present the same headline figures, while one report adds Gallup’s interpretation that some respondents may see nuclear weapons primarily as a deterrent rather than a weapon intended for use. Other coverage links the findings more directly to U.S. defense-related concerns, without changing the reported results.
