- South Korea estimates that North Korea possesses between 80 to 120 nuclear weapons.
- Ahn Gyu-back noted that the estimate of 80-120 warheads is based on a private research institute's analysis.
South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced that North Korea is estimated to possess 80 to 120 nuclear warheads, a figure that is more than double the White House's estimate. This assessment, revealed on Thursday, is based on data from a private research institute.12
Ahn emphasized that this number does not reflect the government's confidential assessment, stating that the government remains 'very limited in providing a specific figure'. He noted that the 80-120 warheads estimate is not something he could fully disclose, indicating the sensitivity of the information involved.
The stark difference between South Korea's estimate and that of the United States raises concerns about the potential for nuclear escalation in the region. As tensions continue to rise on the Korean Peninsula, the implications of North Korea's nuclear capabilities remain a critical issue for both regional and global security.
The South Korean government is under pressure to address the growing threat posed by North Korea's expanding nuclear arsenal, which has been a focal point of international discussions regarding denuclearization and peace talks in the region.
“Ahn Gyu-back emphasized that the estimate of 80-120 warheads does not reflect the confidential assessment of the government, which he could not disclose. He also stated that the government remains 'very limited in providing a specific figure' regarding North Korea's nuclear capabilities.”














