South Korea estimates North Korea has up to 120 nuclear warheads, far above Trump's figure

South Korea's defense minister has presented an estimate suggesting North Korea possesses a substantially larger nuclear arsenal than previously stated by U.S. President Donald Trump. Minister Ahn Gyu-back informed lawmakers that Pyongyang likely has between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads, a figure considerably higher than Trump's recent assertion of 57.

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We usually see it as around 80 to 120, but it is considerably limited to state an exact number.

Ahn cautioned that determining an exact number is difficult, explaining that the estimate is based on assessments from private research organizations. South Korea's military, he clarified, cannot officially confirm these figures. When asked about Trump's specific mention of 57 "very powerful nuclear weapons," Ahn noted that the numbers "appear somewhat different."

Despite these differing estimates, South Korea officially adheres to a long-standing policy supporting denuclearization and does not recognize North Korea as a nuclear weapons state. Minister Ahn reiterated this stance, stating, "We cannot officially acknowledge that." He also declined to speculate on whether Trump's figure implied U.S. recognition of North Korea's nuclear status.

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the numbers appear somewhat different.

The comments emerge as President Trump seeks to re-engage with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, following a reduction in joint U.S.-South Korean military drills. North Korea, however, has reacted coolly to the scaled-back exercises, with Kim Yo Jong, the leader's sister, describing them as still provocative. South Korea, meanwhile, continues to rely on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for its security.

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We cannot officially acknowledge that.