Afət Ziyadqızı
South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has provided a significant assessment regarding the size of North Korea's nuclear arsenal.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the minister addressed questions regarding Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities during a parliamentary session.
Minister Kim stated that, based on intelligence data and assessments from independent organizations, North Korea is estimated to possess between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads. However, he emphasized that these figures are not definitive and are based on estimates, noting that it is currently impossible to officially confirm the exact number of warheads in Pyongyang's possession.
The defense minister also acknowledged that there are discrepancies between South Korean and U.S. intelligence assessments regarding the North's nuclear stockpile. Responding to a question from an opposition lawmaker on whether Seoul recognizes North Korea as a nuclear state, Minister Kim stated firmly that South Korea will never officially accept such a status.
The South Korean government maintains a consistent policy advocating for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and does not recognize Pyongyang as a nuclear-armed state. The disclosure of the 80-120 range is notable, as South Korean officials rarely provide such specific numerical estimates regarding the North's nuclear program. This assessment highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, where tensions remain high due to North Korea's continued missile testing and nuclear ambitions, which have drawn repeated condemnation from the international community.
