Overview
- Washington-based 38 North says October–November imagery shows a large two-storey building at Yongbyon that resembles the suspected Kangson enrichment plant, with six likely heat exchangers indicative of centrifuge cooling.
- The monitoring group reports steady operation of the 5 megawatt reactor since late 2024 and notes preoperational testing of the experimental light-water reactor this year.
- Satellite photos also show rapid growth in radioactive-waste storage near the Old Waste Site, including a semi-buried concrete structure with nine roof hatches and new excavation suggestive of another vault.
- Analysts say the construction and refurbishments align with Kim Jong Un’s January directive to increase production of weapons-grade material in 2025.
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myun warned of the risk of accidental clashes and urged renewed dialogue, while a KIDA assessment estimates North Korea has 127–150 warheads and could exceed 400 by 2040 if current trends persist.