North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has issued a stark warning, threatening to launch a nuclear strike on South Korea “without hesitation” if provoked. This statement follows Seoul’s recent demonstration of its new bunker-busting “monster” bomb, showcasing advanced military capabilities. Kim’s aggressive rhetoric underscores the heightened tensions in the region, as both nations continue to bolster their arsenals amidst ongoing geopolitical hostilities.
Kim Jong Un has threatened to deploy nuclear weapons “without hesitation” if North Korea is attacked by South Korea or its ally, the United States, according to North Korean state media. Relations between the two Koreas have reached a historic low, coinciding with Seoul’s recent military parade, where it unveiled a bunker-busting “monster” missile.
In response, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a stern warning to Kim, stating that any use of nuclear weapons would result in the end of his regime, as the dictator would face “the resolute and overwhelming response” from the South Korean-US alliance.
Pyongyang has escalated tensions by launching balloons carrying bags of trash over South Korea, with a new wave spotted floating above Seoul early Friday. Seoul’s military confirmed the detection of these balloon launches overnight.
Kim Jong Un reiterated North Korea’s readiness to use its full range of offensive capabilities, including nuclear weapons, if it perceives any encroachment on its sovereignty. According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim stated that North Korea would not hesitate to act if threatened by enemy forces.
Images released by state media depicted Kim Jong Un, donning his signature leather jacket, addressing a training event for special operations forces. During his remarks, he criticized South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for his comments regarding the “end of regime” and for “clamoring” about South Korea’s alliance with the United States.
South Korea, which does not possess its own nuclear arsenal, relies on the US nuclear umbrella for protection. Since the Korean War concluded in 1953 without a peace treaty, Washington has maintained a significant troop presence in South Korea.
Kim accused Seoul and Washington of “destroying regional security and peace,” referring to South Korea’s leader as “an abnormal man.” On Tuesday, South Korea showcased its military capabilities, with fighter jets flying over downtown Seoul and tanks parading through the streets, including a display of its largest ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5, designed to target underground bunkers. An American B-1B heavy bomber also participated in the event, escorted by F-15K jets.
Washington regularly deploys nuclear assets to the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding South Korea against Pyongyang’s escalating threats.
During the event commemorating South Korea’s Armed Forces Day, President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that if North Korea “attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the US and Republic of Korea alliance.” He emphasized, “That day will be the end of the North Korean regime.”
According to South Korea’s unification ministry, North Korea is anticipated to dismantle a landmark inter-Korean agreement signed in 1991 during a parliamentary meeting next week. This action is part of Kim Jong Un’s broader initiative to officially designate South Korea as an enemy state.
Earlier this year, Kim called for the removal of unification-related clauses from North Korea’s constitution and the dissolution of agencies aimed at improving relations with the South.
Last month, North Korea unveiled images of a uranium enrichment facility for the first time, featuring leader Kim Jong Un touring the site while advocating for the expansion of centrifuge operations to enhance the nation’s nuclear arsenal.
South Korea’s intelligence agency subsequently indicated that this unprecedented disclosure was “directed at the US,” estimating that North Korea is capable of producing a double-digit number of nuclear weapons.
Last week, a lawmaker informed reporters that the National Intelligence Service had cautioned that North Korea might conduct another nuclear test—its seventh—following the US elections in November.
