North Korea threatens South Korea following USFK commander's remarks

North Korea has issued a threat against South Korea, stating that the nation will become a “decisive target for collective retribution.” This response follows recent remarks by U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Javier Brunson, who described South Korea as the “decisive center of collective defense” during a security forum.

Kang Chol-su, head of the North Korean Institute for Adversary Studies, criticized the U.S.-South Korea military alliance, claiming the partnership is designed to serve American hegemony and use South Korea as a base for overseas military operations. Kang specifically cited the deployment of MQ-9 Reaper drones, the augmentation of F-16 fighter jets, increased defense spending, and the construction of nuclear-powered submarines as evidence of South Korea acting as a “mercenary” for the United States.

Additionally, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui reaffirmed the country’s commitment to its nuclear program, stating that North Korea’s will to possess nuclear weapons is “unchangeable for a hundred or a thousand years.” This statement was made in response to joint statements from South Korean, U.S., and Japanese officials regarding denuclearization.