Seoul: National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac expressed concern on Friday regarding North Korea's recent reveal of what it claims to be a nuclear submarine, describing it as a new threat to South Korea. However, he maintained a cautious stance regarding the submarine's actual capabilities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea's state media released undated images last week showing the completed hull of an 8,700-ton nuclear submarine, with leader Kim Jong-un inspecting the vessel. When questioned about this development, Wi emphasized the need to address this new type of threat. Despite this, he acknowledged the limited information available about the submarine's capabilities, highlighting it as an area requiring further investigation.

President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to visit China next week for summit discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where North Korea is expected to be a significant topic of conversation. Wi underscored that South Korea's initiative to develop a nuclear-powered submarine would adhere to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines by utilizing low-enriched uranium for its reactor.

Wi cited the IAEA's conclusion that Australia's collaboration with the United States on nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership is compliant with the NPT, and he stated that Seoul plans to clarify its position to other nations. The NPT prohibits non-nuclear-weapon states from acquiring nuclear weapons and mandates that all nuclear material be placed under IAEA safeguards to prevent its diversion for weaponization purposes.