Following North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's inspection of an 8,700-ton nuclear submarine hull, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac warned on January 2 that its unveiling poses a new threat to South Korea requiring urgent attention. North Korean state media released images of the vessel last week, but details on its capabilities remain scarce.
Speaking in Seoul, Wi described the submarine as "a new type of threat for us" that "needs to be dealt with," while adopting a cautious tone due to limited information and calling it "an area that needs to be further figured out."
The remarks come after Kim Jong-un's December 24 inspection, reported by state media on December 25, where he criticized South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine plans as destabilizing and vowed to advance North Korea's naval nuclear armament.
Meanwhile, President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to visit China next week for a summit with President Xi Jinping, with North Korea expected as a key topic.
Wi defended South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine plans, asserting they would not violate the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) or IAEA guidelines by using low-enriched uranium. He referenced the IAEA's finding that Australia's AUKUS submarines comply with the NPT, noting Seoul would clarify its position to other nations.
Under the NPT, non-nuclear-weapon states cannot acquire nuclear weapons and must safeguard all nuclear material under IAEA oversight to prevent diversion for weapons use.
