The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it is monitoring the construction of a new facility in North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex.

In a statement released last week, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the agency is "monitoring the construction of a new building at Yongbyon which has dimensions and features similar to the Kangson enrichment plant."

He said the "undeclared enrichment facilities" in North Korea "are of serious concern," adding that, "the continuation and further development of the DPRK's nuclear program are clear violations of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and are deeply regrettable."

Analysts say that despite a functioning nuclear deterrent, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sees an even greater atomic weapons capability as critical to the survival of his regime.

"North Korea has long been paranoid about its regime survival," said Erwin Tan, a professor of international politics specializing in security dilemma theory at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul.

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