South Korea: North Korea may have 80-120 nuclear weapons

20.08.2026 11:21

South Korea's Defense Minister stated that North Korea may possess between 80 and 120 nuclear weapons, but this number cannot be officially confirmed, and the Seoul government does not recognize Pyongyang as a nuclear-armed state.

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated that North Korea is estimated to have 80 to 120 nuclear weapons.

According to the Yonhap news agency, Minister Ahn made remarks on the matter during a parliamentary session after U.S. President Donald Trump said North Korea had 57 "very powerful" nuclear weapons.

When asked about estimates of North Korea's nuclear weapons capability, Ahn said, "We generally think (North Korea) has 80 to 120 nuclear weapons, but giving an exact number is quite limited."

THE FIGURE IN QUESTION IS BASED ON ESTIMATES

Minister Ahn said the figure is based on estimates from private organizations and that South Korea cannot officially confirm it.

Ahn noted that, in line with Trump's statements, the estimates of South Korea and the U.S. regarding North Korea's nuclear weapons stockpile "appear somewhat different." In response to an opposition lawmaker's question about whether the Seoul government acknowledges that Pyongyang possesses a nuclear arsenal, Ahn replied, "We can never officially acknowledge that."

While it was noted that it is rare for a South Korean government official to give a specific number regarding North Korea's nuclear weapons count, the Seoul administration, in line with its policy supporting denuclearization, does not officially recognize Pyongyang as a nuclear-armed state.