Is North Korea getting ready to unleash nukes? Top N. Korea analysts give their take

북한, 보름간 전술핵 훈련 지휘

North Korea looks determined to show the world that it's a full-fledged nuclear state. Blasting seven rounds of missile launches over the past two weeks, Pyeongyang's state media says it's practiced targeting South Korea with nukes and will continue to strengthen its nuclear force. It was the first time that the regime mentioned it has tactical nuclear operation units, stirring further concern in the region. Tension has already been mounting as the North's official stance on nuclear weapons seems to be turning more aggressive than self-defensive,... amid speculation that the regime is getting ready to launch 7th nuclear test.
We discuss these recent developments with KIM Jae-chun, Dean and Professor of Sogang Univ.'s Graduate School of International Studies and Soo KIM, Policy analyst at RAND Corporation.

1. Professor Kim: North Korea's state media says Pyeongyang's recent missile tests were conducted to simulate nuclear attacks on Seoul with tactical weapons. Pyeongyang on Friday even flew eight fighter jets and four bombers in formation near the inter-Korean border. Is this quite a rare move for North Korea, and how do you read the timing of the barrage of missiles over the last two weeks?

2. Professor Kim: Seoul and Washington have reacted, of course, and it seems quite unusual that the USS Reagan performed a u-turn and headed back to waters near the Korean Peninsula after the North fired a barrage of missiles. Would you say the allies are taking a stronger response? What should be their response, in your opinion?

3. Soo Kim: There seems to be different views on when North Korea could conduct a nuclear test. When are you expecting it to take place, and what would the allies' response look like after that happens?

4. Professor Kim: What do you make of North Korea's position on nuclear development, after it appeared to revise its rationale from self-defense purposes to pre-emptive attacks?

5. Soo Kim: The missiles launched by North Korea over the past ten days are believed to include the KN-23, KN-24, and their multiple rocket launcher, the KN-25. These are new strategic weapons that are believed to be able to bypass U.S. missile defense systems such as the Patriot and THAAD. What do these developments indicate about the North's progress in making miniaturized and lightweight tactical nuclear weapons?

6-7 To both: Meanwhile, 38 North, a US media outlet specializing in North Korea, predicted that North Korea's successive missile provocations could lead to independent nuclear armament of South Korea and Japan in the future. What do you make of such analysis?

KIM Jae-chun, Dean and Professor of Sogang Univ.'s Graduate School of International Studies and Soo KIM, Policy analyst at RAND Corporation: Thank you for your time.

#NorthKorea #missile #Arirang_News

2022-10-11, 09:30 (KST)

[tathaYm]

Well they do not care about usa....not everyone is lapdog of usa

[bigbingus]

They would get 1 up and then have hundreds launched back

[bndiayelelion]

Let's do it big men Mr president Kim?