The issue of nuclear proliferation has been a significant concern for international security, with North Korea at the forefront of this debate. This study aims to investigate why despite the international community's efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear program through sanctions, negotiations, and military threats, the regime has continued to develop its nuclear arsenal. The study employs a qualitative research approach, utilizing secondary data collection method and document analysis to examine the key factors contributing to North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons, including historical, geopolitical and other internal political factors. To critically analyze this work, Deterrence Theory and Rational Choice Theory will be attempted but Social Constructivism theory which argues that international norms, values, and ideas shape state behavior, was adopted as been more appropriate to properly analyze the work. The findings of the study indicate that North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons is driven by a range of factors, including security concerns, regional power dynamics, and domestic politics. Moreover, the study argues that North Korea's nuclear ambitions pose a significant threat to international security, as the regime's unpredictable behavior and lack of transparency increase the risk of nuclear accidents, nuclear terrorism, and proliferation to other states and non-state actors. Addressing the underlying security concerns of North Korea which formed part of the major reasons why it has pursued nuclear weapons vehemently is key to solving the issues of nuclear proliferation as far as North Korea is concerned was part of the recommendations suggested by this work.

Keywords: Nuclear Weapon, Nuclear Proliferation, International Security. Diplomacy, Escalation