North Korea Denounces South Korean Nuclear Submarine Program

North Korea has denounced the Jang Bogo N program, an initiative by South Korea to develop nuclear-powered submarines with approval from the United States. Pyongyang characterizes the project as a preparatory step toward full nuclear armament and a move to create a second AUKUS-style tripartite military alliance involving the U.S. and Japan.

North Korean First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Jang Kum-chol warned that the program will trigger nuclear dominoes across the Asia-Pacific region. He accused Seoul of secretly pursuing the technology since 2003 and argued that the move is not a defensive response to North Korean weapons. Pyongyang further claimed that South Korea is attempting to revise the 123 Agreement on nuclear cooperation with the U.S. to allow for uranium enrichment and fuel reprocessing.

South Korea aims to launch its first nuclear-powered vessel by the mid-2030s. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that his ministry is facilitating consultations with the U.S. to secure the necessary conditions for enrichment and reprocessing. While pursuing these military capabilities, Seoul is simultaneously seeking a phased approach to revive denuclearization talks with Pyongyang.