North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared that any preemptive military action by South Korea would be considered a declaration of war, raising fears of renewed conflict on the Korean Peninsula.
During a high-level military meeting, Kim accused Seoul of "dangerous" rhetoric and warned that even the slightest provocation would trigger a devastating response. His comments come as South Korea's opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, suggested the country should consider striking first if it detects imminent nuclear threats from Pyongyang.
Escalating Tensions
The fiery exchange marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two Koreas, which technically remain at war since the 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty. Analysts suggest Kim's aggressive posturing may be aimed at strengthening his negotiating position ahead of potential future talks with the US.
International Concerns
The situation has drawn international attention, with former US President Donald Trump - who previously engaged in unprecedented direct diplomacy with Kim - warning that the region remains "very dangerous". Experts fear miscalculations could spiral into open conflict given the lack of communication channels between the parties.
South Korea's government has maintained its commitment to dialogue while continuing military preparedness exercises with US forces. However, Pyongyang views these drills as rehearsals for invasion, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
