South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated that North Korea is estimated to possess between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads, a figure significantly higher than U.S. President Donald Trump's recent assertion of 57.
The differing estimates of North Korea's nuclear arsenal between South Korea and the U.S. highlight the challenges in assessing Pyongyang's capabilities and could influence future diplomatic and security strategies in the region.
South Korea estimates North Korea possesses between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads, according to Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back. This figure is significantly higher than the 57 nuclear weapons recently stated by U.S. President Donald Trump. Ahn clarified that the estimates are derived from private research organizations and that South Korea's military cannot officially confirm the numbers. He acknowledged that the estimates from South Korea and the U.S. appear to differ.
Ahn reiterated that Seoul officially does not recognize North Korea as a nuclear-armed state and declined to comment on whether Trump's remarks constituted U.S. recognition. He affirmed South Korea's commitment to not developing its own nuclear weapons and to continue relying on the U.S. nuclear umbrella.
The comments come as Trump seeks to re-engage with North Korea, having previously ordered a scale-back of joint U.S.-South Korean military drills. North Korea's Kim Yo Jong described the reduced exercises as provocative despite their shortened duration. Trump has expressed expectations of meeting Kim later this year, potentially reviving diplomacy.