S. Korea, US closely monitoring N. Korea for signs of nuclear reactor halt

• South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are closely monitoring North Korea amid signs that the regime has temporarily halted operations of a nuclear reactor at its Yongbyon nuclear complex.
• This move raises concerns that North Korea may be reprocessing spent fuel rods to extract weapons-grade plutonium. The reactor had been showing signs of operation since July 2021.
• Additionally, North Korea recently stipulated its policy of strengthening its nuclear force in its constitution, with leader Kim Jong-un characterizing it as a “powerful political lever” to enhance defense capabilities.

External Link : https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/10/205_360491.html