North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vows to use nuclear weapons against South Korea, US; here’s why

While Kim has made similar threats before, his latest remarks come as analysts speculate that North Korea might increase provocations ahead of the upcoming US presidential election.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has again warned of the potential use of nuclear weapons in future conflicts with South Korea and the United States. He accused both nations of provoking North Korea and escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, according to state media reports on Tuesday.

While Kim has made similar threats before, his latest remarks come as analysts speculate that North Korea might increase provocations ahead of the upcoming US presidential election.

Speaking at the “Kim Jong Un University of National Defence,” the leader emphasised North Korea’s readiness to deploy nuclear weapons. He stated the country would "without hesitation use all its attack capabilities" if its enemies attempted military aggression.

"The use of nuclear weapons is not ruled out," Kim said, stressing the need for enhanced nuclear readiness. He blamed South Korea and the United States for strengthening their alliance, particularly through joint nuclear planning, which he said disrupts the balance of power in the region.

Kim’s comments likely refer to a recent South Korea-US defence guideline. Signed in July, the agreement integrates South Korean conventional forces with US nuclear capabilities to counter North Korea’s growing nuclear threat. South Korea does not possess nuclear weapons.

US and South Korea's Military Alliance Under Fire

Since North Korea adopted a more aggressive nuclear doctrine in 2022, it has vowed to use nuclear weapons first if it feels threatened. However, many experts remain sceptical about whether North Korea would follow through, given its military is significantly weaker than that of the US and South Korea.

Officials in Washington and Seoul have warned that any attempt by North Korea to use nuclear weapons would result in the collapse of Kim’s regime.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have been rising, with North Korea unveiling a facility for producing weapons-grade uranium and continuing missile tests. In response to questions from The Associated Press, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol suggested that these actions may be attempts to capture US attention ahead of the presidential election. He also warned that North Korea might carry out major provocations, including a nuclear test or long-range missile launch.

Many analysts believe North Korea will use its expanded nuclear capabilities to seek concessions from the next US administration, such as sanctions relief.

North Korea's Rising Provocations Ahead of US Election

North Korea's parliament was scheduled to meet on October 7, but as of Tuesday, state media had not confirmed if the meeting took place. Observers speculate that the meeting could constitutionally formalise a "two-state" system, rejecting any reconciliation with South Korea and redefining national borders.

In January, Kim ordered constitutional changes to remove the goal of peaceful unification and officially label South Korea as North Korea's principal enemy.

Relations between the two Koreas have remained frozen since US-North Korea nuclear diplomacy stalled in 2019. In recent months, North Korea has resumed psychological warfare tactics, sending balloons filled with rubbish across the border. South Korea’s military reported another such launch on Tuesday.