Another "Election" Remark? This Time Claiming North Korea Has 112 Nuclear Missiles

[Anchor]

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again mentioned a specific number regarding North Korea's nuclear weapons. Just a month and a half ago, he said 57, but this time he claimed there are twice as many at 112. While it causes confusion as no basis has been provided, interpretations suggest the public disclosure is linked to the midterm elections.

Reporting by Kim Minpyo.

[Reporter]

During a midterm election campaign rally, U.S. President Trump brought up North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again, throwing out the number of nuclear weapons by saying, "When they have 112 nuclear missiles, it's good to get along."

[Donald Trump / U.S. President: I get along very well with Kim Jong Un. Kim Jong Un. You know who that is? Yes, North Korea. When people have 112 nuclear missiles, it is good to get along.]

As the remark was made while emphasizing his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, "112 nuclear missiles" appears to refer to the number possessed by North Korea.

This is the third time President Trump has disclosed precise figures for North Korea's classified nuclear weapons.

After growing from 45 in April to 57 in August, the figure has nearly doubled in a month and a half.

There was no explanation given as to why the numbers differ so much.

Regarding the background of this additional disclosure, analyses suggest that President Trump, facing the midterm elections, may be trying to highlight that he is keeping the North Korean nuclear threat under control, or sending a message to Chairman Kim to come to the dialogue table.

[Hong Min / Senior Research Fellow, Korea Institute for National Unification: When sending a message showing a full awareness of North Korea's nuclear weapons, North Korea as well may find more room to view dialogue more positively.]

Domestic research institutes estimate the number of North Korea's nuclear weapons to be between 80 and 120.

[Ahn Gyu-back / Former Minister of Defense (Aug. 20): Generally, it is seen as around 80 to 120. Giving an exact figure is quite restricted.]

While President Trump has consistently shown an attitude acknowledging North Korea's nuclear possession, he made clear his position that he cannot tolerate nuclear development by Iran, which does not yet have nuclear weapons.

(Video Editing: Jung Yong-hwa)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.