The spectre of nuclear submarines is haunting inter-Korean relations. On Tuesday, North Korea condemned a new deal between Seoul and Washington, warning that the vessels would trigger a “nuclear domino” effect. This fear has overshadowed a recent attempt by South Korea to restart peace talks.
The deal was announced last week by President Lee Jae Myung. It allows South Korea to expand its authority over uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing. North Korea views the submarines as a “dangerous attempt at confrontation,” predicting they will spark a “hot arms race.”
The haunting is real for the Lee administration. Just one day after proposing military talks—the first in seven years—the North focused entirely on the submarine threat. President Lee has offered unconditional discussions, but the spectre of the subs looms large.
The “nuclear domino” warning implies that the fear is spreading. North Korea is arguing that the submarines represent a fundamental shift in the balance of power. This narrative keeps tensions high.
North Korea has yet to respond to the offer for military talks. The focus on the spectre suggests that the ghosts of conflict are still present. The region remains spooked.