Overview

• South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Pyongyang’s last major hurdle is reliable atmospheric re-entry for a nuclear-armed ICBM and that this step looks likely to be solved soon.
• Seoul assessed that North Korea holds up to about 2 tonnes of highly enriched uranium and is producing enough fissile material to add roughly 15 to 20 warheads each year.
• North Korea has rejected denuclearization on U.S. terms while promoting tests such as the Hwasong-19 and a high‑thrust solid‑fuel engine, though outside experts question proven re-entry reliability.
• Lee promoted a phased “freeze, reduce, dismantle” approach and suggested President Donald Trump as a potential counterpart for renewed negotiations with Kim Jong Un.
• Reporting also highlights Kim’s deepening military ties with Russia, including alleged artillery and troop support for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.