SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared his intent to deliver a “death blow” to his country’s enemies, as reported by state media on Thursday, coinciding with South Korea’s parliamentary election where the ruling party faced defeat.
In recent months, North Korea has escalated tensions by designating South Korea as its “principal enemy,” dismantling agencies dedicated to reunification efforts, and issuing threats of war over perceived territorial encroachments.
During a visit to the Kim Jong Il University of Military and Politics on April 10, Kim emphasized the need for comprehensive war preparedness and readiness to mobilize all available resources to confront provocations.
“Now is the time to be more thoroughly prepared for a war than ever before,” Kim emphasized, calling for unwavering readiness to secure victory in any potential conflict scenario.
Images released by North Korean state media depicted Kim inspecting a miniature model of Seoul, complete with the Han River and detailed maps of the peninsula, surrounded by military officials.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s parliamentary election outcome signaled a setback for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s hawkish approach towards North Korea, as the main opposition Democratic Party secured a landslide victory, advocating for a more conciliatory stance.
Analysts suggest that the election result bodes well for Kim, particularly with the potential return of former US President Donald Trump in the upcoming US elections, given Trump’s previous engagement with Pyongyang.
Recent military collaborations between North Korea and Russia, including Russia’s veto of UN sanctions monitoring on North Korea, underscore Kim’s efforts to strengthen strategic alliances amid regional dynamics.
