South Korea’s new, peace-oriented president stated on Monday that North Korea could potentially produce 10 to 20 nuclear weapons annually, emphasizing the need to reduce tensions.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, North Korea has constructed around 50 warheads and possesses enough fissile material to create up to 40 more.
President Lee Jae Myung noted at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, “An ICBM capable of reaching the United States is nearly complete, and they continue to enhance their ability to produce roughly 10 to 20 nuclear bombs each year.”
Addressing the previous administration’s stricter policies and lack of diplomacy, Lee remarked, “Efforts to deter North Korea and impose sanctions have only resulted in further development of their nuclear program.”
He added, “The reality is that North Korea’s nuclear arsenal has expanded over the last three to four years.”
While committed to deterring the North with conventional weapons, Lee highlighted his initiatives to de-escalate tensions, including ceasing the broadcasting of anti-North Korea messages across the border.
This statement followed discussions with President Donald Trump, who expressed optimism about another meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
