Kim ordered the military to prepare to “pacify the entire territory of South Korea”, including with nuclear bombs if necessary, in response to any attack. The North Korean leader's speech comes ahead of a year that will see pivotal elections in both South Korea and the United States. North Korea has deep relations with both China and Russia. Kim has also ruled out the possibility of unifying with South Korea, and the country must fundamentally change its principles and direction toward South Korea. The administration of US President Joe Biden said it is open to talks, but it imposed new sanctions as North Korea pushed ahead with more banned missile tests.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 31, 2023 05:46 UTC