Seoul, Dec 25 (NationPress) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed that South Korea's initiative to develop nuclear-powered submarines will exacerbate regional instability, labeling Seoul's actions as a threat to the North's national security, according to state media reports on Thursday.

During an on-site evaluation of an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine currently in construction, Kim's comments were relayed by Yonhap, citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim criticized Seoul's submarine project, asserting that it will aggravate instability on the Korean Peninsula, and that the DPRK perceives it as a hostile act that significantly infringes upon its security and maritime sovereignty.

The DPRK, which stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is how North Korea refers to itself.

Furthermore, he stated that this development poses a security threat that necessitates a response.

Kim reiterated that North Korea will uphold its national security strategy and the principle of deterring any adversary.

"It is crucial for the enemy to understand unequivocally that any violation of the DPRK's strategic sovereignty will incur a steep price, and they will face a relentless retaliatory strike should they opt for military action," he asserted.

He emphasized that the nation will continue to demonstrate its capabilities, which he described as a responsible exercise of the genuine nuclear deterrent and a dependable shield for defending its sovereignty.

The leader also remarked that North Korea's nuclear forces are designed to ensure peaceful conditions and absolute security for the nation, referring to the new nuclear submarine as a significant transformation in their deterrent capabilities.

He confirmed a strategy to persistently advance the navy’s nuclear armament.

Thursday's report from KCNA indicates that North Korea is developing a nuclear-powered submarine equipped with guided missiles, a project that was initially disclosed in March, following a decision made during a party congress.

Kim asserted that the ongoing construction of attack destroyers and nuclear submarines will enhance the combat capabilities of their naval forces.

He also promised to accelerate the pace and scale of building a variety of surface and underwater vessels, continuously outfitting them with diverse offensive weapon systems.

During the inspection, the leader assessed research on new underwater secret weapons under development and unveiled a strategic blueprint for reorganizing naval forces and establishing new units, as reported by KCNA.