North Korea vows faster nuclear buildup after US-SK drill — SkimNews
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- North Korea denounced the US-South Korea Iron Mace exercise as a nuclear war rehearsal and declared it must strengthen its nuclear deterrent at a faster pace, according to state media KCNA.
- Kim Jong Sik, a deputy department director in North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, stated the drill confirms the US has unchanged ambitions to crush North Korea with nuclear weapons, escalating threats 'with each passing day'.
- Kim Jong Sik holds a senior role overseeing North Korea’s nuclear and missile development and production, and analysts note his public policy statement is unusual, typically reserved for defense or foreign ministry officials.
- Yang Moo-jin, professor emeritus at the University of North Korean Studies, said Kim Jong Sik’s statement suggests his responsibilities may be expanding into nuclear and missile policy formulation.
- US and South Korea conducted the Iron Mace exercise from September 29 to October 2, integrating US nuclear capabilities with South Korean conventional forces, according to Seoul’s military.
Why it matters: Kim Jong Sik’s rare public foray into nuclear policy signals a potential shift in North Korea’s messaging hierarchy, elevating a weapons program insider over traditional diplomats. This hardens the regime’s stance amid rising tensions, including a recent border mine incident and threats to resume propaganda broadcasts, making diplomatic de-escalation less likely.
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