ISTANBUL
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung claimed Wednesday that North Korea continues to produce enough nuclear material to build 10-20 nuclear weapons annually, according to local media reports.
Speaking at a televised New Year’s press conference, Lee said that a pragmatic approach is needed to deal with North Korea, citing the North's advances in nuclear capabilities, Yonhap News reported.
"Nuclear materials capable of producing 10 to 20 nuclear weapons a year continue to be produced (in North Korea) and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology is still advancing," he said.
He reiterated a three-stage, phased roadmap for denuclearizing North Korea’s nuclear program, emphasizing a realistic approach.
“It would be beneficial if no additional nuclear material is produced, if such material is not transferred abroad, and if ICBM technology is no longer developed,” Lee said.
“We should not abandon our ideals, but pursue realistic negotiations to halt the program, reduce it, and move toward denuclearization in the long term.”
The president also vowed to take steps to restore the military agreement signed in 2018 between then-President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The accord, aimed at preventing accidental military clashes and building confidence, was suspended in 2024 amid rising tensions.
He also pledged renewed diplomatic efforts to restart stalled talks between Pyongyang and Washington and revive inter-Korean dialogue.
Lee said Seoul would act as a “pacemaker” to help facilitate the swift resumption of North Korea–US dialogue and create conditions for renewed engagement between the two Koreas.
Since taking office, Lee has sought to restore ties with Pyongyang, but North Korea has not responded. Inter-Korean relations deteriorated sharply under the previous administration of Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted last year after being thwarted from imposing martial law.