Talk in South Korea about developing nuclear weapons is nothing new, and Seoul at one time even pursued a nuclear program until the U.S. nipped it in the bud.

But in recent months, an assertive China and North Korea’s relentless nuclear weapons development have reinvigorated discussions in Seoul about whether the country should acquire the bomb, a development that experts said reflects the ROK’s desire to take greater control of its own defense but which could end up compromising its own security. 

A recent poll showed more than 70% of South Koreans want