Seoul: North Korea is estimated to possess between 80 and 120 nuclear weapons, South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated during a parliamentary session. This figure contrasts with U.S. President Donald Trump's recent assertion that Pyongyang has 57 nuclear weapons.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn's remarks came after Trump provided his estimate while addressing reporters at the White House, where he mentioned plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year. Trump's statement marked the first occasion he had specified a number regarding North Korea's nuclear arsenal.
Ahn, addressing lawmakers, mentioned that North Korea typically has around 80 to 120 nuclear weapons, emphasizing his limitations in offering a precise number. He noted that the disparity between the estimates held by South Korea and the United States could suggest differences in their assessments of North Korea's nuclear capabilities.
It is uncommon for officials from South Korea and the United States to disclose specific figures about Pyongyang's nuclear stockpile, given the classified nature of such information and the potential implications of acknowledging North Korea as a nuclear-armed state.
Ahn later clarified that his estimate was derived from a private research institute, rather than an official military evaluation. Both South Korea and the United States do not recognize North Korea as a nuclear-armed nation. When questioned by an opposition lawmaker, Ahn reiterated that Seoul does not acknowledge Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal.
Ahn refrained from commenting on Trump's remarks, citing the inappropriateness of a South Korean minister evaluating statements made by the U.S. president. He reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to not developing its nuclear weapons, emphasizing the need to strengthen defense under the nuclear deterrence framework with the United States.
On the subject of North Korea's recent border-hardening measures along the inter-Korean border, Ahn mentioned that these activities, such as fencing and mine-laying, are expected to be completed by 2028. The South Korean military has increased surveillance to ensure border security and has criticized the North for violating the armistice agreement with these actions.
South Korea's defense ministry reported that North Korea has deployed new weapons systems near the border, prompting South Korea to bolster its defenses with counter-battery and Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems, as well as counter-drone systems.
The ministry highlighted ongoing coordination with the U.N. Command (UNC) concerning the North's border activities. The UNC has stated that these actions do not breach the armistice agreement as they are defensive, revealing a divergence with Seoul's perspective.