South Koreans favor nuclear weapons: Poll

A significant majority of South Koreans favor the nation developing its own nuclear arsenal, according to a recent poll. The survey by Gallup Korea revealed that 65% of respondents believe South Korea should possess nuclear weapons independently.

This sentiment is notably strong among supporters of the main opposition People Power Party, with 78% backing the idea. Among supporters of the ruling Democratic Party, 60% expressed similar views.

The poll, conducted between August 25 and 27, surveyed 1,001 South Koreans aged 18 and older. While 30% of respondents opposed the idea of an independent nuclear program, the majority clearly leans towards self-reliance in nuclear capabilities.

Separately, the poll also touched upon perceptions of North Korea's threat. Thirty-nine percent of participants believe North Korea might launch a war, while 55% do not see such an immediate danger. Interestingly, among those who do not perceive a threat from the North, 58% support South Korea developing nuclear weapons.

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65% supported the necessity of South Korea independently possessing nuclear weapons, while 30% opposed this idea.