The recent comments by Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, have sparked controversy while mentioning North Korea's nuclear ambitions. In his response to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth referred to North Korea as a "nuclear power," describing the country's growing missile range, nuclear warhead capabilities and cyber threats. This reference, although not technically incorrect in describing a nation with nuclear weapons, carries important implications for the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and beyond. It also prompts crucial questions about the future of the U.S.-South Korea alliance and the larger goal of denuclearization in Northeast Asia.

The term "nuclear power" has become a catch-all label for countries possessing nuclear weapons but that are not officially recognized as nuclear weapon states under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. This includes countries such as India, Pakistan and Israel. North Korea, having conducted multiple nuclear tests, clearly fits this description. However, referring to Pyongyang as a nuclear power is problematic. Not only does it shift the international narrative on North Korea's nuclear status, but it also undermines the decades-long effort led by South Korea and the United States to achieve the denuclearization of the North.

For Seoul, the implications of labeling North Korea as a nuclear power are profound. Such a designation could erode the longstanding diplomatic and security framework that has guided U.S.-South Korea relations, which has focused on achieving the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea. A shift toward accepting North Korea's nuclear status would essentially abandon this critical objective, moving the conversation from denuclearization to arms control. The risk is that Washington and Pyongyang could eventually settle on a nuclear freeze rather than a comprehensive disarmament agreement, leaving South Korea and its allies to confront the reality of a nuclear-armed North Korea.

This potential shift in the narrative would not just affect the U.S.-South Korea alliance, but could trigger a dangerous regional domino effect. If North Korea is recognized as a nuclear power, countries like South Korea, Japan and even Taiwan may reconsider their non-nuclear stances. A nuclear arms race in Northeast Asia would escalate security risks in a region that is already fraught with tensions. Such developments would dramatically alter the geopolitical landscape and introduce a new level of unpredictability into the region's security environment.

Trump has publicly expressed an interest in engaging North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in direct talks, even suggesting that North Korea's nuclear weapons could be an asset if handled diplomatically. Some reports suggest that Trump may be willing to offer sanctions relief in exchange for a freeze on North Korea's nuclear program. This approach, while potentially easing tensions in the short term, risks legitimizing North Korea's nuclear status and pushing the region toward an era of nuclear proliferation rather than disarmament.

In light of these concerns, it is critical that the U.S. and South Korea maintain a unified stance on the North Korean nuclear issue. Seoul has made it clear that it will not accept North Korea as a nuclear power, and it is imperative that the U.S. upholds this position. The Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment to denuclearization, but there are fears that the policy could change under a second Trump administration. Given this uncertainty, it is crucial for Washington to consult closely with Seoul and strengthen their cooperative alliance to ensure that North Korea stays committed to the denuclearization process.

To maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula and prevent further nuclear escalation, the U.S. must continue to lead the efforts on North Korean denuclearization while reinforcing its alliance with South Korea. This involves not only upholding the CVID framework but also strengthening nuclear deterrence capabilities to counter North Korea's increasing nuclear and missile threats. A strong alliance, built on mutual respect and shared interests, will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

South Korea and the U.S. must work together to prevent the erosion of the denuclearization goal. A focus on maintaining the integrity of the CVID principle, alongside a strong and cooperative alliance, will help ensure that the Korean Peninsula remains free of nuclear weapons. Recognizing North Korea as a nuclear power would undermine these efforts and risk destabilizing the region. The time is now for Seoul and Washington to strengthen their alliance and continue the fight for a denuclearized North Korea.