Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday dismissed calls for South Korea's own nuclear armament, stating it would be "impossible" to gain the international community's approval.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee addressed the issue during a Cabinet meeting amidst renewed calls from some opposition lawmakers advocating for the country's nuclear armament. These calls have emerged following the United States' recent support for processes leading to South Korea's civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful use.

Lee highlighted concerns about nuclear armament as reasons for the slow progress in uranium enrichment and nuclear reprocessing discussions. He mentioned "various kinds of talk" within some U.S. government departments as contributing factors to the delays.

During the meeting at the presidential office, Lee questioned the feasibility of pursuing nuclear capabilities, citing potential disapproval from the U.S. and the international community, which could lead to economic and international sanctions. He questioned whether South Korea could withstand such consequences.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun responded by noting that pursuing nuclear armament would require South Korea to exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, likening it to becoming a "second North Korea."

Lee reiterated that arguments for nuclear armament could obstruct South Korea's pursuit of spent fuel reprocessing and uranium enrichment capabilities. He urged the foreign ministry to prevent political circles from engaging in what he termed "irresponsible" discussions on the topic.