In a strong message directed towards North Korea, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared that any use of nuclear weapons by the isolated nation would lead to the demise of their regime. This declaration was made during a commemorative event marking the anniversary of the founding of South Korea’s armed forces. The event, which included a military parade and fighter jet flyover in central Seoul, served as a platform to showcase South Korea’s military capabilities and its unwavering commitment to its security alliance with the United States.
Addressing over 5,300 service members gathered at Seoul Air Base, President Yoon stated, “If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military. That day will mark the end of the North Korean regime.” He emphasized the strength of the South Korea-US alliance, highlighting the presence of tens of thousands of US troops stationed in the South.
As part of the demonstration of strength, South Korea unveiled its largest ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5, capable of destroying underground bunkers for the first time. The event also featured a flyover by an American B-1B heavy bomber, accompanied by F-15K jets, serving as a visible testament to the strong security bond between Seoul and Washington.
North Korea responded to the display of force with a statement issued by Kim Kang Il, the vice-minister of national defense, through the official Korean Central News Agency. In the statement, Kim highlighted the North Korean military’s close monitoring of the “frequent deployment” of strategic assets and asserted that Pyongyang’s forces were “fully prepared to thoroughly defend” the nuclear-armed nation.
President Yoon’s warning comes on the heels of North Korea’s unprecedented disclosure of images showcasing a uranium enrichment facility. These images, accompanied by Kim Jong Un’s tour of the facility, signaled a call for increasing the country’s nuclear arsenal by deploying more centrifuges. South Korea’s intelligence agency, in its assessment, concluded that the disclosure was intended to target the US and that North Korea possesses the capability to produce a significant number of nuclear weapons, utilizing its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium and plutonium.
Adding to the heightened tensions, a South Korean lawmaker disclosed that the National Intelligence Service had cautioned of the potential for North Korea to conduct its seventh nuclear test after the US elections in November.
In a further display of military might, the South Korean government is conducting a military street parade through Seoul’s central Gwanghwamun square for the second consecutive year. This parade involves 3,000 personnel and 80 pieces of equipment, marking a significant event that hasn’t occurred since 1984, during the dictatorial rule of the late Chun Doo-hwan.
