Kim Jong Un lashes out at Seoul: Nuclear tensions escalate

North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, criticised South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for his remarks during a ceremony in Seoul. The dictator was notably displeased with the speech's focus on the possible use of nuclear weapons by the regime. He challenged his opponent, referring to him as an "abnormal man."

State media in North Korea reported on Friday that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, warned that Pyongyang will use nuclear weapons "without hesitation" if there is an attack on his country. This statement is a response to points made in Yoon Suk Yeol's speech during the Armed Forces Day ceremony in the south.

President Yoon stated that the North Korean regime would face its end if it decided to use nuclear weapons. He also cautioned that there would be an "overwhelming" response by the South Korea-United States alliance to Pyongyang's hostile actions.

"The puppet Yoon bragged about an overwhelming counteraction of military muscle at the doorstep of a state that possesses nuclear weapons," Kim Jong Un reacted, as quoted by the state agency KCNA. South Korea does not possess its own nuclear weapons but is protected by the American nuclear umbrella, with thousands of American soldiers stationed on its territory.

Kim Jong Un also commented that the South Korean leader's speech revealed "the security uneasiness and irritating psychology of the puppet forces." The dictator added that the words spoken during this appearance are proof that South Korea and the United States are responsible for "destroying regional security and peace."

He announced that if the adversary attempts to use military forces against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the country "uses without hesitation all the offensive forces it has possessed, including nuclear weapons." The dictator also clearly threatened to use nuclear weapons.

North Korean media recently published images of a uranium enrichment facility for the first time, showcasing leader Kim's visit. Reports from this visit clearly indicated actions to strengthen the country's nuclear arsenal.

North Korea, despite UN sanctions imposed for its missile and nuclear programmes, has been conducting nuclear tests since 2006. According to intelligence services in Seoul, another such atomic experiment may occur after the upcoming November presidential elections in the USA.

Relations between the Korean neighbours are currently considered the worst in decades. Pyongyang has described South Korea as its "principal enemy," and Kim Jong Un has announced that war "can break out at any time."