South Korean President Warns North Korea Could Produce 20 Nuclear Bombs Annually

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has warned that North Korea is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, potentially producing between 10 and 20 nuclear bombs annually, with an estimated total of 50 warheads and enough fissile material for up to 40 more. He emphasized that North Korea has nearly completed development of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States and highlighted the failure of past hardline policies and sanctions to curb Pyongyang’s nuclear advancements. President Lee advocates for reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, including efforts like halting provocative broadcasts across the border. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump expressed hope of meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again and noted his familiarity with Kim. North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities are underscored by the recent revelation of the undeclared Sinpung-dong Missile Operating Base near the Chinese border, housing multiple nuclear-capable ICBMs and highlighting the regime’s opaque missile strategy and ongoing expansion of its nuclear deterrent. Additionally, Kim Jong Un accepted an invitation to Beijing to join Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping in a display of unity opposing the Western-led global order.