North Korea has condemned South Korean President Lee Jae-myung as a “confrontation maniac” following his US speech advocating denuclearization for lasting peace and a stronger South Korea–US alliance, Al Jazeera reported.

The state-run KCNA dismissed Lee’s call as naive and reaffirmed Pyongyang’s commitment to its nuclear arsenal, citing external threats.

Lee, in office since June, has pledged improved inter-Korean relations, but North Korea has repeatedly rejected engagement, with Kim Jong Un’s sister recently declaring Pyongyang “does not care” about South Korea’s outreach.

According to Al Jazeera, North Korea is estimated to have around 50 nuclear warheads and material for more.