65 pct of S. Koreans support nuclear armament: poll

Seoul, Aug. 28 (Yonhap) - A recent Gallup Korea poll revealed that 65% of South Koreans back the idea of their nation possessing its own nuclear weapons, while 30% oppose it. The survey polled 1,001 South Koreans aged 18 and older from Tuesday to Thursday.

Political affiliations showed differing support levels, with 78% backing the notion among People Power Party supporters and 60% among ruling Democratic Party allies. Thirty-nine percent of respondents believed North Korea might initiate a war, while 55% did not share this sentiment. Notably, even among those who thought no risk existed, 58% still favored South Korea having nuclear weapons.

Gallup noted that the results indicate a significant portion of respondents may view nuclear weapons as a strategic or defensive deterrent rather than offensive weapons. When asked about the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) of troops from Washington, 46% believed it should be completed by President Lee Jae Myung's term ending in 2030, while 41% favored postponing it.

President Lee has pledged to regain OPCON from the U.S. before his term concludes. The poll's margin of error was ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.