In a speech to North Korean War veterans, on the 69th anniversary of the end of the 1950-1953 Korean War, leader Kim Jong Un said he would use nuclear weapons if involved in a military conflict with the US and South Korea.
“Our armed forces are completely prepared to respond to any crisis, and our country’s nuclear war deterrent is also ready to mobilize its absolute power dutifully, exactly and swiftly in accordance with its mission,” Kim said in Wednesday’s speech, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.
His insane rhetoric seems to be meant to encourage unity in his country, which is suffering through economic problems and poverty due to the pandemic, US sanctions and alleged mismanagement.
In the past, Kim has threatened his rivals with nuclear war, but experts say he is unlikely to use them, as it would be a suicide mission.
Kim accused the US of demonizing his nation for their missile tests, saying that the US and South Korea military drills are “gangster-like.”
He labeled the South Korean government of President Yoon Suk Yeol as “maniacs” and “gangsters.” North Korea is threatened by the Yoon government, which has strengthened its military alliance with the US in order to counter the threat perceived from North Korea.
“Talking about military action against our nation, which possesses absolute weapons that they fear the most, is preposterous and is very dangerous suicidal action,” Kim said. “Such a dangerous attempt will be immediately punished by our powerful strength and the Yoon Suk Yeol government and his military will be annihilated.”In response, the Yoon government released a statement that South Korea will protect its national security and citizens, in its alliance with the US, and urged the North Korean leader to resume negotiations for peace and denuclearization.