Defense Minister An Gyu-baek: North Korea's Nuclear Arsenal Estimated at 80 to 120 Weapons

Defense Minister An Gyu-baek stated on August 20 that North Korea's nuclear arsenal is typically estimated to be between 80 and 120 weapons, but providing an exact figure is quite limited.

During a session of the National Assembly's Defense Committee, An responded to a question from Representative Seong Il-jong of the ruling People Power Party regarding the government's assessment of North Korea's nuclear development.

In response to President Donald Trump's mention of North Korea possessing '57' nuclear weapons during a press encounter at the White House on August 19, An remarked, 'It seems that the numbers differ slightly.'

Trump had stated that he is 'getting along well' with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and noted that North Korea has '57 very powerful nuclear weapons.'

Experts have noted that it is unusual for a U.S. president to specifically mention figures related to North Korea's nuclear capabilities, especially given that both South Korea and the U.S. keep such information classified.

The South Korean government has maintained a stance of not recognizing North Korea as a nuclear-armed state and has refrained from discussing the specifics of its nuclear arsenal.

However, when asked if he acknowledges that North Korea possesses nuclear weapons, An stated, 'That cannot be officially acknowledged.'

Regarding whether Trump's specific mention of '57 weapons' implies recognition of North Korea's nuclear capabilities, An said, 'I think it is inappropriate for the South Korean Defense Minister to comment on that.'

An emphasized, 'We cannot develop nuclear weapons. We should not accept the deployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons. Our policy is to consistently receive a solid nuclear umbrella from the United States.'