Kim Jong Un has threatened to use nuclear weapons if tensions with South Korea and the United States escalate into war. In a speech marking the 69th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, the North Korean leader claimed his regime's 'nuclear war deterrent' is ready and would 'annihilate' its neighbour.
The speech, reported by state media KCNA, was ostensibly aimed at boosting internal unity amid economic difficulties and a Covid outbreak. Kim accused the US of 'demonising' North Korea and called South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol 'a confrontation maniac' leading a government of 'gangsters'.
Kim said: 'Our armed forces are completely prepared to respond to any crisis, and our country's nuclear war deterrent is also ready to mobilise its absolute power dutifully, exactly and swiftly in accordance with its mission.' He warned that any military action against the North would be 'punished by our powerful strength' and that the South Korean government and military 'will be annihilated'.
Observers expect North Korea to intensify threats as South Korea and the US prepare to expand summer military exercises, which the North views as invasion rehearsals. Since taking office in May, President Yoon has strengthened Seoul's military alliance with the US and bolstered its capacity to neutralise North Korean nuclear threats, including pre-emptive strike capability.
South Korea expressed 'deep regret' over Kim's threat and said it maintains readiness to cope with any provocation in 'a powerful, effective manner'. Yoon's office urged North Korea to take steps toward denuclearisation. This year, Kim has increasingly threatened rivals with his advancing nuclear programme, which experts say aims to wrest concessions and achieve domestic unity.
