Remarks at the National Assembly Budget Committee
On Nuclear-Powered Submarines: "Our Technology Is World-Class"
On the afternoon of November 6, Prime Minister Kim Minseok attended the National Assembly Special Committee on Budget and Accounts and commented on some predictions that U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un might meet around March next year, calling it a "reasonable expectation."
Prime Minister Kim Minseok is attending and speaking at the Public Safety and Security Ministers' Meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on October 15, 2025. Photo by Jo Yongjun
Prime Minister Kim made this remark in response to a question from Lee Sujin, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea.
He explained, "It appears that this March prediction is being mentioned in connection with President Trump's potential return to Asia around April next year," adding, "Considering the willingness of both parties and the practical feasibility of such conditions, it is reasonable to expect that this period presents a high possibility."
Regarding the government's initiative to develop a conventional armed nuclear-powered submarine, Prime Minister Kim stated, "Our conventional submarine technology is already at a world-class level, and with concentrated efforts in a few areas, we can fully achieve a nuclear-powered submarine." He further emphasized, "We will pursue this by mobilizing the comprehensive capabilities of the Presidential Office and all relevant government ministries."
He also noted that the government had sufficiently explained to the Chinese side that "the purpose and details of the nuclear-powered submarine are not specifically aimed at China," and added, "There was an in-depth dialogue between the two countries leading to a deeper mutual understanding on the matter."
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