Yoon reaffirms plan to upgrade extended deterrence in New Year
Korea HeraldJan 02
Kim Jong Un Orders Military to 'Annihilate' SKorea, US If Provoked
Image copyright: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered his military to "thoroughly annihilate" South Korea and the US if either country "opts for military confrontation" against Pyongyang, state media reported Monday.
At a meeting with his commanding officers on Sunday, Kim reportedly said the DPRK army should mobilize "all the toughest means and potentialities without moment's hesitation" and "deal a deadly blow" to any threatening actions to the regime.
The Spin
Pro-North Korea narrative
Kim Jong Un will never give up the nuclear weapons program as it's essential for the DPRK's survival. The North Korean leader is simply boosting national defenses to prepare for a war that can break out any time on the peninsula — thanks to Washington, which has deployed a nuclear-powered submarine in South Korea and is conducting joint drills as "intentional nuclear war provocative moves."
Anti-North Korea Narrative
North Korea's nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to South Korea and the US. Since 2022, Pyongyang has conducted over 100 missile tests, launched a reconnaissance satellite, and test-fired the most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile in its arsenal — prompting Seoul and Washington to expand their joint military drills. It isn't the US but North Korea that's being reckless and provocative.
Metaculus Prediction
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