North Korea Threatens Nuclear Action Against South Korea
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued a chilling warning, vowing to deploy nuclear weapons against South Korea “without hesitation” if his country’s sovereignty is perceived to be under threat. This declaration came during a recent inspection at a special forces training facility, as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
During his visit, Kim reiterated that any act by South Korea to infringe upon the North’s territorial integrity would trigger a severe and immediate military response, inclusive of nuclear capabilities. “If such a scenario arises, the continued existence of Seoul and the Republic of Korea will be rendered impossible,” warned Kim, referring to South Korea by its official name.
Escalating Tensions between the Two Koreas
Kim’s remarks were a direct response to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent speeches, where he cautioned that North Korea’s use of nuclear arms would lead to “the end of the North Korean regime,” promising a decisive and overwhelming counteraction from South Korea and its U.S. allies. These discussions gained particular weight during South Korea’s Armed Forces Day celebration, coinciding with the unveiling of Seoul’s new Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile.
Kim dismissed Yoon’s stern remarks, deriding him as “an abnormal man.” This marks a heightened exchange of hostilities between the two leaders.
Kim’s Sister Challenges South Korea
Further contributing to the heightened tensions, Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, ridiculed South Korea’s military forces, asserting that Seoul would be unable to counteract North Korea’s nuclear arsenal with conventional weaponry. This bold claim highlights North Korea’s confidence amidst escalating military rhetoric.
Current State of Inter-Korean Relations
The relationship between North and South Korea is at a nadir, characterized by North Korea’s continuous missile tests and South Korea’s intensified military exercises in collaboration with the United States. Diplomatic communications between the two nations have languished, with no significant dialogue since 2019.
Next week, North Korea’s parliament is anticipated to announce a shift towards a “two-state” system, marking a formal rejection of reconciliation efforts with the South. This announcement comes amidst procedural discussions that may include the establishment of new national borders.
North Korea’s Military Expansions
Amidst these developments, Kim Jong Un’s government recently showcased images of a uranium enrichment facility, revealing plans to “exponentially” increase North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. It has been reported that the last nuclear test conducted by North Korea took place in 2017.
Meanwhile, South Korea, under the protective nuclear umbrella of the United States, has resumed anti-Pyongyang broadcasts, a move sparked by North Korea’s recent provocative act of sending thousands of trash-filled balloons into South Korean territory.
