Presidential Office, "Carefully Analyzing Intentions" Following North Korea's First Public Reveal of Uranium Facility

"Considering US Presidential Election and Others, Timing of Nuclear Test Weighed"

The Presidential Office stated on the 13th that it is "closely analyzing North Korea's intentions behind the disclosure" after North Korea revealed its 'uranium enrichment facility' for the first time.

A senior official from the Presidential Office told Asia Economy on the same day, "We are observing and analyzing overall trends in North Korea."

North Korea unveiled its high-enriched uranium (HEU) production facility, used to make nuclear warheads, for the first time. The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, conducted an on-site inspection of the nuclear weapons research institute and the weapons-grade nuclear material production facility, presenting important tasks to increase the production of weapons-grade nuclear material.

The Presidential Office official said, "The timing of a nuclear test can vary depending on the North Korean leadership's decision, so it is limited to make definitive assumptions," adding, "They will weigh the timing considering various factors, including the U.S. presidential election and domestic and international situations."

He continued, "All possibilities are being kept in mind, and South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies are closely tracking the situation."

With North Korea's first disclosure of the uranium enrichment facility, there is an analysis that this move is to assert its presence about 50 days ahead of the U.S. presidential election while also laying the groundwork to raise its bargaining power in future negotiations with the U.S.