South Korea's Nuclear Sub Ambition: A Game Changer for Asia?

• South Korea aims to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, potentially becoming the seventh nation with such vessels, following Donald Trump's public support.
• Nuclear subs offer extended submersion, faster movement, and superior tracking, crucial against modernizing North Korean and Chinese undersea fleets.
• The move could ease pressure on US forces in the Indo-Pacific, allowing South Korea to take more regional defense responsibility.
• Key obstacles include a US-SK civil nuclear agreement restricting fuel reprocessing and a potential decade-long timeline for deployment.
• Regional concerns include North Korea's condemnation and China's warnings about stability, alongside debates on the strategic necessity versus cost.

Why It Matters: South Korea's nuclear submarine pursuit could reshape Asian security, balancing deterrence with regional tensions.