South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a stark warning to North Korea, stating that any use of nuclear weapons by Pyongyang would result in the “end of the North Korean regime.” The warning came as Seoul marked Armed Forces Day with a large-scale military parade showcasing its defense capabilities.
During the event, fighter jets soared above downtown Seoul, and tanks rolled through the streets as South Korea unveiled its advanced weaponry, including the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile. This missile, capable of targeting underground bunkers, was displayed for the first time.
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Addressing thousands of military personnel at Seoul Air Base, President Yoon reaffirmed South Korea’s readiness to respond to any potential nuclear threat from the North. “If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance,” Yoon declared. He further warned Pyongyang to “abandon the delusion that nuclear weapons will protect them.”
The military parade comes at a time of heightened tensions between the two Koreas. North Korea has recently moved nuclear-capable weapons to the border and declared the South its “principal enemy.” In response, South Korea, which is covered by the U.S. nuclear umbrella, has ramped up its military preparedness. An American B-1B heavy bomber participated in the ceremony, conducting a flyover with South Korean fighter jets.
North Korea condemned the B-1B flight and vowed to take “corresponding” actions against what it called America’s “reckless military bluff.” Pyongyang’s leadership, including Vice-Minister of National Defense Kim Kang Il, stated that its military is “fully prepared to defend” the nuclear-armed state against any threats.
President Yoon’s warning follows North Korea’s recent disclosure of images from a uranium enrichment facility, signaling its intent to expand its nuclear arsenal. South Korea’s spy agency has reported that North Korea may be capable of producing a double-digit number of nuclear weapons from its stockpile of enriched uranium and plutonium. Concerns are growing that the North could conduct another nuclear test, potentially its seventh, later this year.
Military experts note that while South Korea does not possess nuclear weapons, it has a formidable arsenal of conventional weapons, such as the Hyunmoo-5, capable of targeting key facilities in North Korea, including underground bunkers where Kim Jong Un might seek refuge during a conflict.
Thousands of people gathered to witness the military parade, which featured 3,000 personnel and 80 pieces of military equipment. The event, held in Seoul’s central Gwanghwamun Square, marks the second consecutive year of such a display, a rarity since consecutive Armed Forces Day parades were last held in 1984.
The show of military strength underscores Seoul’s message to Pyongyang: while the South may not have nuclear arms, it retains the capability to deliver a powerful response in the event of a full-scale conflict.
Key Points
South Korean President Issues Warning: President Yoon Suk Yeol warned that the North Korean regime would face its end if it used nuclear weapons against the South.
Military Parade in Seoul: South Korea displayed its military strength during Armed Forces Day, featuring fighter jets, tanks, and advanced weaponry, including the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile.
U.S.-South Korea Alliance: Yoon emphasized that any nuclear attack from North Korea would trigger a “resolute and overwhelming response” from the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
Rising Tensions: Relations between the two Koreas are at a low, with North Korea declaring the South its “principal enemy” and moving nuclear-capable weapons to the border.
North Korea’s Response: Pyongyang condemned the U.S. B-1B bomber flyover at the parade and vowed to take “corresponding” action.
Nuclear Threats from the North: North Korea has shown its uranium enrichment facility and is believed to be capable of producing a significant number of nuclear weapons.
South Korea’s Defense Capability: Experts highlighted South Korea’s conventional weaponry, such as the Hyunmoo-5, which is capable of targeting underground bunkers, including those potentially housing Kim Jong Un.
