Kim Jong-un: "Not Strengthening Defense Targeting South Korea... Must Become Strong First" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of North Korea, emphasized that "the strengthening of defense capabilities is not aimed at South Korea (Namjos?n)" and that the main adversaries are neither South Korea nor the United States.

According to the Korean Central News Agency on the 12th, Kim delivered a commemorative speech at the Defense Development Exhibition 'Self-Defense-2021' held the previous day, stating, "Clearly, we are not strengthening our defense capabilities targeting South Korea."

Kim stated, "Our main enemy is war itself, not South Korea, the United States, or any specific country or force," emphasizing, "The horrific history of armed conflict among compatriots on this land must never be repeated."

However, he criticized the United States, saying, "Although the U.S. has recently frequently sent signals that it is not hostile to our country, there is no behavioral evidence to believe that it is not hostile," and "The U.S. is still generating regional tensions through mistaken judgments and actions."

He added, "For the sake of our future generations, we must be strong. First, we must become strong."