South Korea Spy Chief Nominee: U.S. Would Launch Nuclear Strike if North Korea Attacked

On Thursday, South Korea’s nominee for intelligence chief, Lee Jong seok, declared his conviction that should Pyongyang ever initiate a nuclear attack on the South, the United States would reply with a nuclear strike.

Asked whether he believed Washington would be ready to risk American lives—even in the face of North Korean intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)—to protect its ally, Lee responded during his confirmation hearing.

“Yes, that is my belief,” Lee replied, confirming his faith in the U.S.-South Korea security partnership. He said that the two nations’ long-standing defense treaty’s credibility and strength depend on the hypothetical scenario of a North Korean nuclear strike on Seoul.

Lee’s statements come at a time when tensions on the Korean Peninsula still run very high. Although North Korea has never tried a nuclear-armed missile, it is thought to possess enough fissile fuel to create nuclear warheads and has been developing both short- and long-range delivery systems.

Newly inaugurated President Lee Jae myung, a liberal leader who assumed power on June 4, nominated Lee to run the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Amid changing regional dynamics and continuous doubt about North Korea’s intentions, the nomination is receiving great attention.

Observers point out that Lee’s statements reaffirm Seoul’s dependence on the U.S. nuclear shield, a basic tenet of its deterrence policy. They also point out, though, the possible danger of escalation in case of a nuclear war in the area.