First Offer in Seven Years Meets “Nuclear Domino” Backlash

South Korea’s first offer of military talks in seven years has run headlong into a wall of hostility over a new submarine pact. On Tuesday, North Korea denounced an agreement between Seoul and Washington to build nuclear-powered submarines, claiming it would cause a “nuclear domino” effect. The commentary was released just a day after Seoul proposed dialogue to prevent border clashes, highlighting the fragile nature of inter-Korean relations.
The contentious agreement was finalized last week by President Lee Jae Myung. It secures U.S. backing for South Korea to expand its authority over uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing. These capabilities are prerequisites for operating atomic-powered vessels. While Seoul views this as a modernization of its fleet, Pyongyang describes it as a “dangerous attempt at confrontation” that will inevitably lead to a “hot arms race.”
The timing creates a complex diplomatic picture. President Lee has made a concerted effort to reverse the hawkish stance of the previous administration, offering to hold broader discussions with the North without preconditions. The proposal for military talks was intended to be a low-stakes entry point for renewed engagement. However, the North’s reaction to the submarine deal suggests they are not interested in compartmentalizing the issues.
By warning of a “nuclear domino phenomenon,” North Korea is raising the stakes. The commentary implies that the South’s acquisition of nuclear propulsion creates a new strategic reality that cannot be papered over with border talks. It suggests that the North views the South’s military trajectory as a fundamental threat that requires a strategic, rather than diplomatic, response.
As of Tuesday, the North has not officially responded to the proposal for talks. The focus remains entirely on the submarine issue, leaving the peace initiative in limbo. The collision of a rare diplomatic offer with a major military dispute has left the peninsula in a state of dangerous uncertainty.