Kim Jong-un Criticizes Yoon Suk-yeol in Speech, ThreatensNuclear Retaliation
Seoul, South Korea – North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has publicly criticized South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, threatening to use all available military forces, including nuclear weapons, if Seoul and its ally,the United States, attempt to violate North Korea’s sovereignty.
This statement, reported by the official North Korean news agency KCNA on October 4th, comes after Yoon’s address on the National Foundation Day, a South Korean holiday commemorating the founding of the nation, on October 1st. In his speech, Yoon warned North Korea of a crushing response should it attemptany aggression against South Korea.
During a visit to a North Korean special forces training base on October 2nd, Kim Jong-un specifically targeted Yoon, calling him a puppet and questioning his intelligence. To talk about overwhelming militaryresponses in front of a nuclear-armed nation is a sign of mental deficiency, Kim was quoted as saying.
Kim’s rhetoric escalates tensions on the Korean peninsula, which has been plagued by a long-standing rivalry and a series of nuclear and missile tests by North Korea. This latest exchange of words further underscores thefragile state of relations between the two Koreas.
Experts warn that Kim’s threats should be taken seriously, given North Korea’s recent advancements in its nuclear and missile programs. They highlight the potential for miscalculation and accidental escalation, emphasizing the need for diplomatic engagement and de-escalation efforts to prevent a conflict.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions.
Sources:
- KCNA (Korean Central News Agency)
- Yonhap News Agency
- The Wall Street Journal
- The New York Times
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