>> This week, South Korea's
president said it was difficult
to convince his country that the
U.S. Would protect it with
nuclear weapons as the U.S. Has
promised for several decades.
The comments come at a time of
increasing tensions and an arm
race.
North Korea launches an
unprecedented number of missiles
endows exponential growth of
nuclear capabilities.
>> At the stroke of midnight,
north Koreans ushered in 2020
rate -- Kim Jong-un logic is on
fire work.
And propaganda videos, north
Korea displayed what it calls
the world's largest mobile
intercontinental missile.
2022 was year of swagger in the
face of sanctions.
As announced by state TV, more
missile tests than any time in
history.
Designed to be more difficult.
To be multigenerational.
Kim has taken steps to lower the
threshold for nuclear use and
after south Korean threats,
specified when he might launch
preemptive strikes.
U.S. Has reiterated thou to
protect South Korea with U.S.
Nuclear weapons known as the
U.S. Nuclear umbrella.
The south Korean president
suggests she wants more.
>> We must send a clear message
to people who carry out
provocations.
We must never fear them or
hesitate.
>> In a newspaper interview, he
said it's difficult to convince
our people with just the idea of
a U.S. Nuclear umbrella.
>> It is very significant.
It's reflected in the nature of
the alliance.
>> A retired general was the
U.S. Commander in South Korea
from 2016 to 2018 and is now the
chairman of the Korean defense
generals association.
He says the tests and rhetoric
have accelerated concerns about
commitment to deterring north
Korea.
>> Does this provide assurance?
>> Apparently not.
The United States is present.
>> There is always concerned by
South Korea as to whether we
will live up to our agreements.
That has grown in the last five
years.
>> A senior research fellow and
former CAA deputy division
chief.
He says the concern is born not
only from north Korean threats.
At one point, former president
trump if they did not contribute
enough to costs.
>> There is concern that
president trump or another
candidate might carry through on
another threat.
It is raising more doubts the
matter how often U.S. Officials
try to allay those concerns.
>> Officials repeatedly
reiterate their commitment to
South Korea.
>> Our commitment is firm.
It includes a full range of
nuclear, conventional and
missile defense capabilities.
>> The national defense strategy
warns there is no scenario in
which the regime could
employment your weapons and
survive.
When brooks was commander, he
faced the same south Korean
skepticism and took steps to
assure.
>> We did some visitations to
make it possible for members of
the national assembly to see
assets.
To learn more about how the
positions and why they are in
range.
>> Do you think that can be a
model?
>> Yes.
All of those have since left
office.
There is a new wave of leaders
who make similar assurances.
>> Those are all now asking for
nuclear assurances.
The office is discussing joint
execution plans over the
management of nuclear weapons.
>> The problem with that is it
does not jointly plan for the
possible nuclear weapons with
South Korea.
>> I believe it's time for this
alliance to have bi-national
planning.
>> Right now, that does not
exist.
>> That is correct.
Officials say they are looking
to expand coordination.
North Korea seems determined to