South Korea’s intelligence chief nominee has warned that the U.S. will retaliate with nuclear force if North Korea strikes first.
Lee Jong-seok, nominated to lead the National Intelligence Service (NIS), made the statement during a Thursday, June 19, 2025, confirmation hearing in Seoul.
Lee said he believes Washington would answer a North Korean nuclear strike on South Korea with a counter nuclear attack.
“Yes, that is my belief,” he told lawmakers when asked directly about America’s potential response.
He framed the threat within the U.S.–South Korea alliance and the credibility of America’s nuclear umbrella.
“This is about deterrence and alliance integrity, not just military retaliation,” Lee emphasized during the televised session.
The remarks follow renewed fears over Pyongyang’s expanding nuclear arsenal and missile development program.
On June 13, Kim Jong Un toured weapons factories and ordered a sharp increase in missile and artillery production.
North Korea’s state media called it a response to “the realities of modern warfare.”
Analysts estimate North Korea holds enough material for 40 to 60 nuclear warheads.
U.S. and South Korean agencies believe some warheads are miniaturized for short- and medium-range missile use.
This makes Seoul and regional U.S. bases highly vulnerable to a sudden nuclear strike.
North Korea also continues testing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), some of which could target the U.S. mainland.
This has intensified concerns about Washington’s willingness to risk homeland security for South Korean defense.
Lee’s remarks reflect a hardened stance under President Lee Jae-myung, who assumed office on June 4.
Though the president favors diplomacy, Lee’s comments signal a no-tolerance policy for nuclear aggression.
“Diplomacy must have a red line, and that line must be enforced with overwhelming force,” Lee stated.
His confirmation hearing drew attention from both domestic audiences and international observers.
Lee, a veteran diplomat and scholar, was appointed for his deep insight into North Korea’s behavior.
His statement departs from previous progressive messaging that focused on reconciliation over confrontation.
Experts say Lee aims to reassure the public and deter Pyongyang by eliminating ambiguity.
“This is about shaping North Korea’s calculations,” said analyst Min-young Park of the Korea Institute for National Security Strategy.
She added that the message was designed to close loopholes Kim Jong Un might exploit.
The Pentagon has not yet responded, though U.S. officials have consistently reaffirmed nuclear defense commitments to South Korea.
Recent deployments of U.S. nuclear-capable assets have strengthened regional deterrence.
Lee’s declaration may shape Seoul’s future defense strategy and feature heavily in trilateral talks with the U.S. and Japan.
His message is unambiguous: If North Korea fires a nuclear weapon, the U.S. will return fire.
