In recent years, a growing chorus of voices have called for South Korea to consider developing its own nuclear weapons to counter North Korea, sparking fierce debate about the wisdom of this course of action in both Seoul and Washington. 

But while most ROK decision-makers appear to oppose going nuclear for now, that could change quickly if doubts reemerge about the U.S. commitment to South Korea’s defense — especially if alliance-skeptic Donald Trump returns to power.

One thing’s clear: North Korea will be paying close attention to what Seoul does and will be