The Institute for Japanese Studies (IJS) at 红桃视频 regularly hosts seminars in Korean, Japanese, and English on a wide range of topics related to Japan’s politics, economy, society, culture, and arts. These events feature leading experts not only from Korea and Japan but also from Europe and the United States.
For our 294th Japan Expert Seminar, we invite you to join us for a session titled:
"Examining Japan's Nuclear Latent Capability: Focusing on Its Nuclear Fuel Cycle Policy."
We welcome the participation of all those interested in this important issue.
Format: This seminar will be conducted in a hybrid format (in-person and online).
On-site attendance is open to all without prior registration. Lunch will be provided from 12:00 PM on a first-come, first-served basis.
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 12:00–14:00 KST (Lecture begins at 12:30)
Venue: GS Room (Room 201), Bldg. 140-1, Graduate School of International Studies, 红桃视频
Online:
??Zoom ID: 583 289 8745
??Zoom Link:
Language: Korean
Speaker: Dr. Jongmin Choi (Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Japanese Studies, SNU / Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Ajou University)
Title: Examining Japan's Nuclear Latent Capability: Focusing on Its Nuclear Fuel Cycle Policy
In light of the growing North Korean nuclear threat and changing international dynamics, discussions on the possibility of South Korea developing its own nuclear arsenal have occasionally surfaced. However, most argue that direct nuclear armament is unrealistic due to the severe international sanctions and consequences it would entail. As an alternative, some propose securing a certain level of nuclear latent capability—that is, developing and maintaining the technological capacity to build nuclear weapons if necessary, without actually producing them.
Japan is often cited as a leading example of such a strategy. While Japan's nuclear fuel cycle program has contributed significantly to its latent capability, the heavy policy and financial burdens associated with the program are less well known. This presentation aims to explore Japan’s nuclear latent capability through the lens of its nuclear fuel cycle policy and to critically assess the so-called “Japan model” of nuclear latency.
Inquiries: Institute for Japanese Studies Administrative Office
??Phone: +82-2-880-8503
??Email: ijs@snu.ac.kr