ROK’s Preparedness Direction against NK s WMD Threats

Abstract

Purpose: This article is to assess the threats of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction(WMD), including nuclear weapons, biological weapons, and chemical weapons. It also suggests the direction of the Republic of Korea to prepare for the North Korea’s threats of WMD. Method: The assessment of North Korea s WDM threats is derived from analysis of previous research and em-pirical insights from the experts. It covers the development progress, types, threats and capabilities of North Ko-rea s weapons of mass destruction. Through this process, this article seeks practical ways to eliminate North Ko-rea s WMD threats. Results: North Korea is estimated to have 20 to 60 nuclear weapons and can produce six new nukes per year. North Korea’s biological agents may include anthrax, cholera, yellow fever, smallpox, typhus, dysentery, plague, brucellosis, tularemia, epidemic hemorrhagic fever, botulinum toxin, yellow cattle toxin and so on. Pyongyang, which possesses up to 5,000 tons of chemical weapons, ranks third in the world after the U.S. and Russia. North Korea is estimated to be capable of producing 5,000 tons per year during armistice and 12,000 tons during war-time. Finally, North Korea could use its WMD against ROK, Japanese, and U.S. targets in the region. Conclusion: A combination of open negotiations and real pressure based on the strong ROK-U.S. alliance will be the best option for eliminating North Korea s WMD threats. The key is to induce the active participation of Chi-na, Japan, and Russia around the Korean Peninsula. Furthermore, the international community s sanctions against North Korea s weapons of mass destruction threat should be continuously strengthened.