North Korea has been systematically advancing its nuclear and missile programs, following a five-year plan from the Eighth Party Congress in January 2021. A United Nations report highlighted an increase in North Korea's nuclear weapons development last year. Despite the growing threat, South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol has stated that South Korea will not pursue its own nuclear deterrent and emphasized reliance on alliances, particularly with the United States, for security. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has escalated tensions by declaring a legal right to 'annihilate' South Korea if provoked, dismissing any desire for dialogue, and threatening military provocations. Kim Jong Un also noted significant achievements in 2023, including a satellite launch, stronger ties with Russia, and the introduction of his daughter as a potential successor. South Korean officials are focused on responding to North Korea's provocations, potentially with military countermeasures, and the unification minister is committed to rescuing individuals abducted by North Korea.
#SouthKorean president reiterates that Seoul will not seek its own nuclear deterrent South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol reiterated that the country would not seek its own nuclear deterrent in the face of threats from nuclear-armed North Korea as he vowed further efforts to… https://t.co/9sFWxPZb5n
Residents of South Korea’s Yeonpyeong Island are increasingly fearful over repeated military provocations by North Korea, including the shelling of surrounding waters https://t.co/hxRysjmJBq
Kim Jong Un has announced the possibility of occupying South Korea in case of extraordinary circumstances https://t.co/y24NL2tyOl https://t.co/sSa6FSpr5S
Kim Jong Un: Pyongyang would occupy South Korea if deemed necessary. According to him, the decision to take control of the territory of South Korea will be made in case of an emergency. https://t.co/PGXKSRngTo
South Korea’s unification minister is determined to rescue people abducted by North Korea, favoring an approach that cranks up the pressure on Pyongyang. https://t.co/ArM3bZkLgE
Why has North Korea ruler Kim Jong Un recently taken to antagonizing South Korea and its allies? The answer may lie within the reclusive country itself, says a South Korean official. https://t.co/wITkqORFVH
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he has the legal right to annihilate South Korea, in his latest move to threaten his neighbor after starting the year by eliminating the concept of peaceful unification from his state’s national policy. https://t.co/2wqrZIn9q1
North Korea's Kim says he has no desire for talks and repeats a threat to destroy South if provoked https://t.co/HSZslyT349
Kim Jong Un said he has the legal right to annihilate South Korea, in his latest move to threaten his neighbor https://t.co/0ANYz4KMLa
Won't Hesitate To Use All Military Power To Wipe Out Enemies: Kim Jong Un https://t.co/hkmUsRV21E https://t.co/Tg6URNMQUR
In 2023, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un marked three significant achievements: a successful satellite launch, strengthened ties with Russia, and the public emergence of his daughter as his likely successor. Learn more with CFR expert @snydersas: https://t.co/nv9lDiS1pa
North Korea has secured the “lawful” right to “annihilate” South Korea if provoked by recently redefining their policy toward Seoul, leader Kim Jong Un tells military https://t.co/pmXcmuAJmL
North Korea’s steady military and technological progress, coupled with its leader Kim Jong Un’s increased hostility toward foreign influences, raises concern about Pyongyang’s ambitions. Here’s a breakdown of recent trends from @snydersas: https://t.co/h6e8EYUbJ3
If #NorthKorea remains true to its nuclear threats, #SouthKorea, alongside its allies, especially the #US, would be compelled to respond, potentially leading to military countermeasures, writes @PratnashreeBasu https://t.co/5BgCxYgEc6
South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol reiterates that the country would not seek its own nuclear deterrent in the face of threats from nuclear-armed North Korea (via AP) https://t.co/08cxiZIvwh
Update: Reuters: A United Nations report reveals that North Korea increased its nuclear weapons development last year.
North Korea has methodically pursued testing and expanded deployment of its nuclear and missile programs as laid out in the five-year plan adopted during the Eighth Party Congress in January 2021, writes @snydersas. https://t.co/5GrfkjGakf