North Korea Could Soon Send Nuclear Weapons 'Abroad,' Seoul Warns

South Korea's president has warned that North Korea's nuclear arsenal poses a growing global threat, with production of bomb-making materials running at a high rate. President Lee Jae Myung stated on Wednesday that North Korea is producing enough nuclear material each year for up to 20 new weapons. He cautioned this increases the risk of these weapons eventually going "abroad." "Even now, nuclear materials sufficient to produce 10 to 20 nuclear weapons a year are still being produced," Lee told a New Year's news conference. North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006, defying United Nations sanctions. Experts now believe it possesses dozens of nuclear warheads. The president's remarks highlight international concerns that North Korea may one day transfer nuclear technology or weapons to other countries or groups. This is often referred to as "proliferation." Lee's warning comes as North Korea continues to advance its missile and nuclear programs. It has also deepened military ties with Russia, raising fears of arms exchanges.