Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are escalating as inter-Korean relations hit a new low. North Korea has cut off communication with the South and is hinting at strengthening its military power.
On the 5th, North Korea’s state-run media, Korean Central News Agency, reported that the leader Kim Jong Un announced plans to enhance North Korea’s nuclear capabilities rapidly, citing the U.S.-led alliance’s transformation into a nuclear-based military bloc as justification.
Kim declared, “Our power will continuously evolve, and our superiority will eternally deny any limits.” He added that 250 missile launchers have been delivered to front-line units at the border, aiming to strengthen their offensive power and improve the effectiveness of tactical nuclear weapons from a practical standpoint.
Photos from North Korean media indicate that the newly delivered weapon system is the Hwasong-11-Ra launcher, a close-range ballistic missile. This launcher is expected to be positioned along the military demarcation line with South Korea.
Kim Jong Un’s open declaration of strengthening North Korea’s military power exacerbates the already tense inter-Korean relations.
During a regular briefing at the Ministry of National Defense, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson, Lee Sung Jun, commented, “It seems that North Korea is persistently following through on its military ambitions.” He noted that the deployment of Transporter Erector Launchers (TELs) could be aimed at various objectives, including potential attacks and threats against the South.
Given Kim’s harsh criticism of our government’s offer to aid North Korea’s flood recovery and his hostile remarks toward South Korea, it seems unlikely that communication channels between the two Koreas will be restored soon.
On the 1st, the South Korean government expressed its willingness to provide humanitarian aid to flood-hit North Korea through the Korean Red Cross. However, Kim denounced this offer the very next day, calling the South an “unchanging enemy.”
Kim accused South Korean media of spreading fabricated rumors about the death toll and helicopter crashes in flood-affected areas, claiming these reports have a sinister purpose.
In contrast, Kim expressed gratitude for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s offer of support, responding, “We will ask for help when needed.”
The South Korean government remains open to dialogue if North Korea halts its nuclear development and military threats and works towards peace on the Korean Peninsula. Despite the lack of response from the North regarding flood aid, the South continues to attempt communication through the inter-Korean liaison office at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
South Korea’s Ministry of Unification Spokesperson, Koo Byung Sam, stated, “So far, there has been no official response from the North regarding our flood aid proposal,” but added, “We hope they will respond positively to our sincere offer.”
Most Commented