(LEAD) N. Korea vows to secure 'unparalleled' retaliatory capability over S. Korea's nuclear submarine push

On August 12, North Korea's state-run media expressed strong disapproval of South Korea's plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines. In an editorial published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Jang Kum-chol, North Korea's first vice minister of foreign affairs, warned that Seoul's pursuit of nuclear capabilities was a significant step toward nuclear armament. He asserted that South Korea's goal was to gain the ability to produce nuclear materials without restrictions, ultimately leading to a nuclear-armed state.

Jang cautioned that South Korea's collaboration with the United States on nuclear submarine development would further destabilize the Korean Peninsula and pose a grave threat to North Korea's security and maritime sovereignty. He emphasized that having unmatched retaliatory power to neutralize any potential threats and retaliate against hostile actions would be the most responsible course of action to deter war.

South Korea's nuclear submarine initiative, known as the Jang Bogo N program, was officially announced in May as part of its efforts to bolster regional defenses against perceived threats from North Korea. The United States gave its approval for the project, and both nations have engaged in preliminary discussions to expand the security agreement established during their October 2020 summit.

South Korea aims to launch its first nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s, with the vessel becoming fully operational by the late 2030s.