On Thursday, Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young reported that North Korea’s uranium centrifuges remain operational. He assessed that the country possesses approximately 2,000 kg (about 4,400 lbs) of weapons-grade highly enriched uranium with a purity exceeding 90%, which can be utilized in plutonium production.
During a press briefing at the Government Complex in Seoul, Minister Chung referenced President Lee Jae Myung’s keynote speech at the 80th United Nations (UN) General Assembly, where he emphasized the three stages of North Korea’s denuclearization (suspension → reduction → elimination).
Minister Chung stressed that as little as 5 to 6 kg (about 11 to 13 lbs) of plutonium is sufficient to create one nuclear bomb, underlining that 2,000 kg (about 4,400 lbs) of highly enriched uranium apt for plutonium conversion could yield an enormous number of nuclear weapons. The Ministry of Unification clarified that this assessment is based on estimates from experts, including those from the Federation of American Scientists (FAS).
He criticized the previous administration, stating that the suspension of North Korea’s nuclear development is an urgent matter. The Yoon Suk Yeol government’s three-year focus on a northward drive for freedom’ and its designation of North Korea as the ‘primary adversary while insisting on denuclearization first have led to an unchecked escalation of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.
Recognizing Two States Does Not Imply Permanent Division… It Must View Reality Flexibly
Minister Chung addressed criticisms suggesting that the government’s position of treating inter-Korean relations as a two-state relationship amounts to an abandonment of unification. He clarified that acknowledging North Korea’s statehood does not mean accepting a permanent division.
He emphasized that this is a practical and realistic perspective that calls for flexibility. Citing a survey from Seoul National University’s Unification Research Institute, he noted that 50-60% of citizens regard North Korea as a state.
Minister Chung stated that since the majority of the public recognizes North Korea as a state, rather than engaging in a useless and divisive debate over statehood, the practical task is to restore dialogue and exchanges between the two Koreas. Furthermore, it must achieve the long-held goal of mutual recognition among the four major powers—the U.S., China, Japan, and Russia—to establish diplomatic relations between North Korea and the U.S., as well as between North Korea and Japan.
He responded to criticisms regarding National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac’s remarks the previous day in New York, where he had stated that the government does not recognize two states, asserting that the government speaks with one voice.
However, he acknowledged that differences in perspective can arise, explaining that the Defense Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Unification Ministry, and National Intelligence Service each have distinct roles, which may lead to varying views on certain issues.
Minister Chung emphasized that as one team, it aims to merge the views like ingredients in a melting pot, so that it can swiftly restore the dialogue and exchanges proposed by President Lee, move toward normalized relations, and work toward denuclearization.
Reviewing the Suspension of Military Live-Fire Drills…It Must Restore the September 19 Military Agreement
Minister Chung expressed a strong commitment to reinstating the September 19 military agreement between the two Koreas.
Regarding President Lee’s announcement at the UN General Assembly to halt hostile actions against North Korea, he stated that if it restores the September 19 agreement, this issue can be resolved. From the perspective of the Unification Ministry, it makes sense to suspend the live-fire drills and practical training that resumed following the suspension of the September 19 agreement, and they are currently discussing related matters with the Defense Ministry.
Furthermore, Minister Chung noted that a breakthrough in inter-Korean relations hinges on the success of a North Korea-U.S. summit. He remarked that when it comes to issues like climate or tariffs, President Donald Trump’s approach may be described as disastrous, but with regard to the Korean Peninsula and North Korea’s nuclear issue, Trump represents hope. He also referred to Trump’s diplomatic style—which is expected to pursue top-down negotiations or nuclear disarmament—as a practical and realistic approach.