South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated that North Korea is producing enough nuclear materials each year to build 10 to 20 nuclear warheads. He made the remarks on Wednesday during a New Year press conference, according to AFP. Lee said Pyongyang is not only expanding its nuclear weapons program but also rapidly advancing long-range ballistic missile technology aimed at reaching the U.S. mainland.

Lee warned that North Korea could soon secure its nuclear arsenal completely, which it views as essential for regime survival. He added that the country’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capability poses a major threat not only to the United States but to the entire world. He cautioned that if this threat goes unchecked, it could escalate beyond borders and trigger a global crisis.

The South Korean leader called for a pragmatic and effective approach to address the nuclear issue, urging a halt to nuclear material production, ICBM development, and weapons exports. He said he had conveyed this position to U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Since taking office in June, Lee has sought unconditional dialogue with Pyongyang, though North Korea has yet to respond positively.