SEOUL—Throughout 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for the expansion of his country’s weapons arsenal. Pyongyang plans to carry out three more spy-satellite launches and accelerate nuclear-weapons production in 2024, Kim told top North Korean officials in recent year-end meetings. But Pyongyang hasn’t been in the mood for talks with the U.S. or South Korea for years. Last year, North Korea conducted nearly 30 missile tests, making significant progress in solid-fuel ballistic missile technology and its satellite program. In March, Kim called for expanding the production of nuclear material, calling on officials to prepare the ability to use nuclear weapons at any time.

Source: Wall Street Journal January 01, 2024 10:25 UTC