Kim Jong Un Issues Stark Warning to South Korea Over Security Threats
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued a severe warning, stating that his country could "initiate arbitrary action" and "completely destroy" South Korea if its security is threatened. In remarks reported by state media KCNA on Thursday, Kim Jong Un emphasized that the "complete collapse" of South Korea cannot be ruled out, marking some of his most direct threats against Seoul to date.
Escalation of Nuclear and Military Capabilities
During the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party, Kim Jong Un revealed plans to significantly expand North Korea's nuclear arsenal and intercontinental ballistic missiles. He explicitly ruled out any discussions with South Korea, labeling them as the "most hostile enemy." Additionally, Kim Jong Un highlighted that prospects for improving relations with the United States depend entirely on Washington's attitude, underscoring a firm stance on foreign policy.
The Congress concluded with a military parade in Pyongyang, where Kim Jong Un was accompanied by his daughter, Ju Ae, fueling speculation about her potential role as his successor. State media also reported ambitions to develop advanced attack systems, including those utilizing artificial intelligence, unmanned drones, and anti-satellite weapons.
South Korean Response and Diplomatic Context
In response to Kim Jong Un's comments, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stressed the importance of peace, stating, "A long-established sense of hostility and confrontation cannot be eliminated in an instant. We must build trust through continuous efforts." This highlights the divergent approaches between Seoul and Pyongyang, with South Korea advocating for dialogue and trust-building measures.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), North Korea currently possesses approximately 50 warheads and has the fissile material to produce up to 40 more, with production reportedly accelerating. Despite past meetings with former US President Donald Trump, Kim Jong Un has not accepted recent overtures, though he left open the possibility for future discussions if the US alters its confrontational policies.
Speculation persists about a potential meeting between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump, especially as Trump plans to travel to China in late March, with South Korea's spy agency suggesting a possible encounter around that time. This ongoing tension underscores the volatile geopolitical landscape in the Korean Peninsula.
