Topline
Kim Yo Jong, senior North Korean government official and sister of leader Kim Jong Un, warned that her country is prepared use to nuclear weapons to “eliminate” South Korea’s military if it chooses to attack, a stern statement that comes a few days after Seoul touted its capability to carry out long range pre-emptive strikes against its neighbor.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, attends wreath laying ceremony at Ho Chi … [+] Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi.
AFP via Getty Images
Key Facts
According to the state-controlled Korean Central News Agency, Kim said South Korean defense minister Suh Wook made a “very big mistake” by talking about Seoul’s ability to carry out “pre-emptive” strikes and labeling North Korea as the “enemy”.
She said North Korea opposes war and the primary purpose of its nuclear weapons is to prevent conflict.
However, Kim warned that Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons will be used to “eliminate” the enemy’s armed forces if it faces an attack.
Kim—considered one of the most powerful people in her brother’s regime—added that Suh’s “abrupt bluffing” showed that Seoul was “frightened.”
Last week, Suh said that South Korea’s military has a wide array of missiles with improved range, accuracy and power to carry out quick strikes against any target in North Korea.
Crucial Quote
“Preemptive strike against a nuclear weapons state? This is a fantastic daydream, and it is hysteria of a lunatic. We make it clear once again. We will not fire even a single bullet or shell towards South Korea. It is because we do not regard it as a match for our armed forces,” Kim said.
Key Background
Kim’s statement comes at a time of increased tensions in the Korean peninsula as a new leader is set to take charge in Seoul. South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol has pushed for a more muscular posture towards the North and its threats. During his campaign trail earlier this year, the conservative Yoon pushed his plans for carrying out pre-emptive strikes against North Korea and said such a move would stop war and protect peace. Since the start of the year, North Korea has carried out multiple missile tests and has also ended its self-imposed moratorium on testing nuclear weapons and long range intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM). Last month, Pyongyang test-fired the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile which is believed to be capable of targeting the U.S. mainland.
Further Reading
North Korea’s Nukes Could “Eliminate” South, Says Kim Jong Un’s Sister (AFP)
