— Historically, North Korea's nuclear ambitions began in the 1950s.

— North Korea is estimated to possess around 50 nuclear warheads as of January 2024, with sufficient fissile material to potentially build between 70 to 90 nuclear weapons.

— The country has developed a diverse range of missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the continental United States, and is also working on submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).

— Kim Jong Un has publicly committed to "exponentially" increasing North Korea's nuclear arsenal, citing threats from U.S.-led military alliances as justification for this expansion.