South Korean President Warns North Korea in 'Final Stage' of ICBM Development

New York, USA – South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced on Thursday, September 25, 2025, that North Korea is in the 'final stage' of developing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of striking the United States with nuclear warheads. The statement was made during an investment conference at the New York Stock Exchange, held concurrently with his visit for the United Nations General Assembly.

The 'Final Stage' Assessment

President Lee Jae Myung emphasized that while North Korea has not yet fully mastered the critical atmospheric re-entry technology for its ICBMs, this hurdle is 'likely to be resolved soon'. He noted, 'It appears they haven't achieved success yet, but they are in the final stage, only with the so-called atmospheric re-entry technology left. That, too, is likely to be resolved soon.' The South Korean leader also estimated that Pyongyang possesses approximately 50 nuclear bombs and could produce an additional 15 to 20 nuclear bombs annually. He warned that if left unchecked, North Korea's nuclear arsenal would continue to grow, and its ICBMs would become more advanced.

North Korea's Advancing Missile Program

North Korea has significantly advanced its missile capabilities in recent years. Its arsenal includes various ICBMs such as the Hwasong-17, a liquid-fueled 'Monster Missile' capable of carrying multiple warheads with an estimated operational range of 15,000 km. The Hwasong-18, North Korea's first solid-fueled ICBM, was successfully test-fired in 2023 and is believed to be capable of reaching any location in the continental United States. In October 2024, North Korea test-launched its Hwasong-19, which flew to an altitude of 7,687 kilometers. More recently, in September 2025, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of a new solid-fuel rocket engine, announcing the development of a next-generation Hwasong-20 ICBM.

International Response and Denuclearization Stance

North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs have been met with widespread international condemnation and multiple sanctions from the United Nations Security Council since 2006. These resolutions demand that North Korea cease its illicit activities and return to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Despite these measures, Pyongyang has continued to develop its weapons programs. Kim Jong Un has consistently ruled out denuclearization, stating that he would only be open to talks with the United States if Washington dropped its demands for his country to abandon its nuclear weapons.