SEOUL, South Korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has warned that his country would deploy nuclear weapons “without hesitation” if attacked by South Korea or its ally, the United States, according to state media reports on Friday.
Relations between the Koreas have hit a low, with South Korea recently showcasing its powerful “monster” missile in a military parade. President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea also issued a stark warning to Kim, stating that using nuclear weapons would lead to the downfall of his regime.
Kim accused Seoul and Washington of undermining regional security, criticizing their close alliance and military activities. He condemned Yoon’s “end of regime” comments as provocative and branded him “an abnormal man.” Meanwhile, North Korea has escalated its hostility by launching balloons filled with trash over South Korea.
South Korea is protected by the U.S. nuclear umbrella, with tens of thousands of American troops stationed there since the Korean War ended in 1953. The U.S. frequently deploys nuclear assets to the Korean Peninsula to underscore its defense commitment to the South.
As tensions rise, North Korea is expected to formally declare South Korea an enemy state, continuing its moves to dismantle unification efforts. Pyongyang has also been expanding its nuclear capabilities, revealing uranium enrichment facilities and planning a potential nuclear test in the near future.
