North Korean leader Kim Jung-un orders armed forces to prepare for possible war.

On December 31, state media reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un concluded the year with fresh threats of launching a nuclear attack on Seoul and issued orders for the expansion of the country's military capabilities in preparation for a potential conflict on the Korean peninsula, emphasizing that such a war could erupt at any time. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim directed his armed forces to maintain a robust and overwhelming capacity to respond to warfare.
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Kim Jong-un emphasized the need for rapid responses to potential nuclear crises and urged continuous preparation for a significant event that could involve the utilization of all available means and forces, including nuclear capabilities, to suppress South Korea entirely in a contingency situation (Picture source: KCNA)

During an extended speech following five days of year-end party meetings, Kim strongly criticized the United States. These meetings determined North Korea's military, political, and economic policies for 2024. The discussions unveiled plans for further military advancements in the upcoming year, which include launching three additional surveillance satellites, developing unmanned drones and electronic warfare capabilities, and bolstering their nuclear and missile capabilities. The meeting concluded that the possibility of a war breaking out on the Korean peninsula remains a significant concern due to what North Korea intentionally qualifies as reckless actions by their adversaries.

In 2023, Pyongyang achieved several significant milestones, including the successful launch of a reconnaissance satellite, officially establishing its status as a nuclear power in its constitution, and test-firing an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

In response to North Korea's actions, the United States deployed a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Korean port city of Busan and conducted joint military exercises with Seoul and Tokyo involving long-range bombers. North Korea has strongly criticized these deployments, particularly the involvement of strategic assets like B-52 bombers, characterizing them as provocative actions bordering on nuclear warfare. North Korea declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power in 2022 and remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a nuclear weapons program it deems essential for its survival.

Kim emphasized the need for rapid responses to potential nuclear crises and urged continuous preparation for a significant event that could involve the utilization of all available means and forces, including nuclear capabilities, to suppress South Korea entirely in a contingency situation. He also ordered the restructuring of departments handling cross-border affairs to fundamentally alter their principles.

In a noteworthy statement, Kim declared that he would no longer pursue reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, citing an "uncontrollable crisis" that he attributed to actions taken by Seoul and Washington. Inter-Korean relations deteriorated significantly during the year, with North Korea's spy satellite launch leading Seoul to partially suspend a 2018 military agreement designed to reduce tensions.

Defense News January 2024