U.S. President Donald Trump has approved South Korea’s plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy and potentially expanding Seoul’s military capabilities. This approval, which facilitates South Korea’s entry into an exclusive group of nations with such technology, raises concerns about nuclear proliferation and the implications for regional security, especially in light of North Korea’s nuclear advancements. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung emphasized that these submarines would alleviate some of the U.S. military’s burdens in the region, while also seeking permission to reprocess nuclear fuel. This development could reshape the dynamics of U.S.-South Korea relations, highlighting the balance between defense collaboration and the risks associated with nuclear technology access.