Kim Jong Un Slams South Korea's Nuclear Submarine Pursuit, Vows to Bolster North's Nuclear Power

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sharply criticized South Korea's efforts to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and condemned ongoing joint military exercises with the United States, labeling them as actions that have pushed the Korean Peninsula's situation to an "extreme."

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The U.S. and South Korea are increasingly blatant in their regional arms buildup and modernization efforts, pursuing South Korea's possession of nuclear submarines.

During an expanded meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee from June 20-22, Kim stated that continuously expanding and strengthening nuclear armament is the "most accurate and only way" for North Korea to maintain its status as a nuclear power. He accused the U.S. and South Korea of increasingly blatant military buildup and modernization efforts, including South Korea's pursuit of nuclear submarines, and of conducting frequent military drills and reconnaissance activities aimed at North Korea.

Kim specifically pointed to the recent establishment of the "Nuclear Consultative Group" (NCG) between the U.S. and South Korea as a dangerous step. He described it as a "nuclear war simulation" aimed at attacking the North, further escalating tensions on the peninsula.

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The more dangerous thing is that the U.S. and South Korea have once again staged military simulations for a nuclear war aimed at attacking our republic, including a nuclear and conventional integrated posture, through the 'Nuclear Consultative Group' (NCG).

Referencing conflicts in the Middle East, Kim stressed that North Korea cannot ignore the current complex geopolitical realities. He asserted that the nation's sovereignty and security are "ironclad" and guaranteed by "strong power," a principle that will remain unchanged. He reiterated the party's principle of dealing with adversaries, emphasizing that South Korea must be recognized as the "most hostile country."

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We have no right to ignore, nor should we ignore, today's complex situation and the stark geopolitical reality. Our country's sovereignty and security have been鉄壁のように保証され、今後も変わらないでしょう。

To counter these perceived threats, Kim announced plans to "aggressively push forward" initiatives to expand and strengthen self-reliant deterrence capabilities. The party meeting reportedly concluded that bolstering nuclear capabilities is the most effective strategy for proactively and confidently responding to the unpredictable international military and political landscape. Kim also called for accelerating the construction of a 10,000-ton strategic missile cruiser and modernizing military industrial facilities.

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Our party's principle of confronting the enemy, which recognizes South Korea as the most hostile country, must be thoroughly adhered to.