We've detected the construction of a large North Korean submarine...the possibility of nuclear submarines

North Korea captures the construction of new submarines larger than existing submarines
Raising the possibility of a 'nuclear-powered submarine' in terms of size
Kim Jong-un unveils plans to build a 'nuclear-powered submarine' last year
"We don't have core equipment yet...Big threat in actual deployment"

[Anchor]
The South Korean military has detected a situation in which North Korea is building a submarine much larger than the existing submarine.

In various circumstances, the possibility of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's nuclear-powered submarine, which announced its plans to build last year, is heavy.

Reporter Hong Sun-ki reports.

[Reporter]
The South Korean military has detected that North Korea is building a new submarine in Sinpo, North Hamgyong Province, where submarine-related facilities are concentrated.

However, this submarine is known to be larger than North Korea's previous submarines.

The possibility of this submarine being a nuclear-powered submarine is raised by its size and other factors.An official from

said, "However, it is still in its early stages, so the exact tonnage will be known only when more work is progressed."

Earlier in September last year, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un unveiled a tactical nuclear attack submarine and also announced plans to build a nuclear-powered submarine.

[Kim Jong-un / North Korean State Councilor (September last year): The nuclear attack submarine now symbolizes our threatening power to terrorize our shameless enemy, and the fact that it is a new attack submarine is truly a welcoming event for all of our people.]

In January, he said that he had specifically identified the project to build nuclear submarines while guiding the test-fire of submarine-launched strategic cruiser missiles.

Experts say North Korea does not yet have key equipment for nuclear-powered submarines.

However, he warns that it is clear that nuclear-powered submarines will pose a major threat if they are deployed in action.

[Kim Yeol-soo / Director of the Korea Military Research Institute: Nuclear-powered submarines can continue to operate without continuing to float above the sea, so it's very difficult to determine where the submarine is moving and where it is.]

The military authorities are reportedly closely analyzing related information based on satellite photos for accurate analysis of the submarine.

This is YTN Hong Seon-gi.

Video editing: Ma Young-hoo
Design: Kim Hyo-jin