SEOUL, South Korea: North Korea has unveiled a secretive facility for producing weapons-grade uranium, with leader Kim Jong Un visiting the site and calling for a significant increase in the country's nuclear arsenal. The facility's exact location remains unclear, but it marks the first disclosure of such a site since 2010. This move appears aimed at exerting pressure on the U.S. and its allies, while the released images provide insights into North Korea's nuclear capabilities.

During his visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute, Kim expressed contentment with North Korea's nuclear technology and highlighted the importance of increasing the number of centrifuges to accelerate nuclear weapons production. Kim's statements reflect ongoing concerns about perceived nuclear threats from the U.S. and its allies.

South Korea condemned North Korea's actions, calling the pursuit of nuclear weapons a serious threat to international peace and criticizing the violation of U.N. bans. In 2010, North Korea revealed for the first time its ability to enrich uranium. Recent satellite images now indicate an expansion at the Yongbyon facility.

Experts suggest that the released images could help estimate North Korea's nuclear material reserves. The photos displayed around 1,000 centrifuges, capable of producing enough highly enriched uranium for one bomb annually. The introduction of advanced centrifuges could significantly increase production rates. Speculation exists about additional secret enrichment sites, with estimates suggesting North Korea may already possess up to 60 nuclear weapons.