Overview

• President Lee Jae-myung said Pyongyang is nearing completion of an ICBM with a nuclear warhead that could reach the United States.
• He estimated North Korea is producing enough fissile material for roughly 15 to 20 additional nuclear weapons each year.
• Lee argued that halting nuclear production, ICBM development, and exports would deliver significant security gains.
• South Korea reported firing warning shots after a North Korean vessel crossed near the disputed Northern Limit Line, prompting the boat to withdraw.
• North Korean media signaled openness to contact with the United States only if denuclearization demands are dropped, while the regime deepens military ties with Russia.