North Korea Nears Completion of Long-Range Nuclear Missile, Says South Korean President
South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung has warned that North Korea is close to completing the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of striking the United States with a nuclear weapon. However, he noted that Pyongyang has yet to perfect the critical re-entry technology required for such a weapon to function effectively.
Lee Addresses Security Risks at New York Event
During his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, President Lee spoke at an investor relations session held at the New York Stock Exchange. He pledged to reduce security threats from North Korea to create a safer environment for investment and to strengthen South Korea’s economy.
“Whether for negotiations with the US or to secure their regime, North Korea continues to develop ICBMs capable of carrying nuclear warheads to the United States,” Lee said. He added that the country is in the final stage of development, with only atmospheric re-entry technology left to master, which he suggested may be resolved soon.
Concerns Over North Korea’s Missile Capabilities
In 2022, North Korea launched its most powerful ICBM to date, the Hwasong-19, which reached deep into space. Analysts have stated that the missile could potentially reach any target within the US. However, doubts remain about North Korea’s ability to ensure the missile’s warhead can survive re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere without failing.
Lee also pointed out that North Korea appears to possess enough nuclear weapons to maintain its regime. He called for urgent negotiations to prevent further production, warning that the weapons could eventually be sold to other nations. “Let’s reduce nuclear weapons in the mid term. Let’s pursue denuclearisation in the long term,” he said.
Calls for Negotiations with the US
The South Korean president stressed that US President Donald Trump is the only viable negotiating partner for North Korea. Trump has previously expressed interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, possibly before the end of the year.
Lee has sought dialogue with Pyongyang since taking office in June, but his outreach has been dismissed by North Korea. For his part, Kim Jong Un has said he is open to talks with Washington, provided the US drops its demand for complete denuclearisation.
with inputs from Reuters
