Kim gave an intense speech to Korean War veterans.

Yesterday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared at an anniversary celebration of the end of the Korean War, where he gave an intense speech about his plans to fight against the United States and South Korea. Of note, Kim threatened the use of nuclear weapons in the event his country were to enter armed conflict with either country.

“Our armed forces are completely prepared to respond to any crisis, and our country’s nuclear war deterrent is also ready to mobilize its absolute power dutifully, exactly and swiftly in accordance with its mission,” Kim said.

Kim also spoke about South Korea’s efforts to strengthen their own military presence against a potential attack from the North. “Talking about military action against our nation, which possesses absolute weapons that they fear the most, is preposterous and is very dangerous suicidal action,” Kim said. “Such a dangerous attempt will be immediately punished by our powerful strength and the Yoon Suk Yeol government and his military will be annihilated.”

In response to Kim’s speech, South Korean representatives expressed disappointment at the North’s intense and hostile rhetoric, but reaffirmed their intent to protect their people by any means necessary. South Korea will maintain its alliance with the United States, and has urged the North to return to the stalled-out denuclearization talks.