[Oh Se-hoon New Year's Press Conference] Trump on 'North Korea as a Nuclear State' Expression: "Need to Discuss Enhancing Nuclear Potential"

Claiming to Hold "Nuclear Potential"
Mayor Oh Emphasizes Realistic Alternatives Amid Changing U.S. Policy

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon commented on U.S. President Donald Trump's mention of North Korea as a nuclear power, saying, "I knew this day would come someday," and added, "It will be a core issue in discussions on Korea-U.S. relations."

At a New Year's press conference held at Seoul City Hall on the 22nd, Mayor Oh responded to a question about security and diplomatic opinions regarding President Trump's remarks. He said, "We cannot recognize North Korea as a nuclear power, but North Korea's nuclear capabilities have advanced, and its missiles have become smaller and lighter," adding, "This advancement led to predictions that someday even the U.S. would not find it awkward to classify North Korea as a 'nuclear power.'

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Mayor Oh continued, "Watching President Trump use the term 'nuclear power' yesterday, experts have begun to suggest that the focus is now on accepting North Korea's nuclear capabilities as a given and that the U.S. might pursue a small deal," and said, "Everything in the world changes. Policy stances inevitably change with these shifts."

Mayor Oh brought up his previously advocated idea of 'enhancing nuclear potential.' He stated, "We cannot officially recognize North Korea as a nuclear power," but added, "I have been advocating for 'holding nuclear potential' for some time. I think this might be the most realistic alternative at this point."

He further added, "There is a high possibility that the new U.S. administration will demand an increase in defense costs, and along with that, the enhancement of nuclear potential could be brought to the negotiation table as a card."

However, Mayor Oh emphasized the need for careful consideration, noting that the Trump administration has just begun its term. He said, "It is too early to make all these decisions. It is still early days since the inauguration, only one day has passed," and added, "It is necessary to observe further to understand the extent of the U.S.'s changing stance on North Korea's nuclear issue and to develop the government's negotiation cards accordingly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.