US think tank: 34% of South Korean strategic experts support 'possessing independent nuclear weapons'

It has been reported that about one-third of South Korean strategic experts support the country possessing its own nuclear weapons. The US think tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said on the 29th (local time).
The "Korea Nuclear Options Report" surveyed over 1,000 strategic experts, including Korean think tanks, professors, and former and current government officials, from January to March of this year.
According to the report, 34 percent of people answered "agree" to the question, "South Korea should possess nuclear weapons."
More than half, 53%, answered "I don't think so," while 13% answered "I'm not sure."
68% of respondents who support nuclear possession identify themselves as "conservative."
On the other hand, among those who do not support nuclear possession, 36% were conservative, 36% were progressive, and 28% were centrist.
As for the reason for not supporting nuclear possession, 43% of experts cited "economic sanctions and the damage to its status due to violations of international norms."
" Damage to the US-South Korea alliance " was the second most common answer at 26 percent. However, the report states, "Such opposition to nuclear possession would not have been possible had the US been under the presidency of Donald Trump.
"If the 'America First' policy comes into play, that could change dramatically," he said. "As a result of the November 5 US presidential election, the value of the (US-ROK) alliance will be devalued and austerity measures will be pursued."
In response to the question, "Do you think support for South Korea possessing nuclear weapons would increase if an America First policy were introduced?", 51% of respondents who were opposed to nuclear possession answered, "Support would increase."
Additionally, 90% of respondents who supported possessing nuclear weapons said "support will likely increase," and 83% of those who were "not sure" also said "support will likely increase."