Kim Jong-un: "Enemies Must Be Met with Threatening Responses to Wrong Choices"

Threat of Nuclear Attack on US Mainland in Emergency
Next Year, Tough Stance Expected Toward South Korea and US
Third ICBM Launch Following April and July
Harsh Criticism of ROK-US NCG, Warning of Retaliation

On the 19th, the Korean Central News Agency reported that North Korea conducted a launch drill of the solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-18. Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, who observed the drill, stated, "This served as a clear demonstration of the choices we would make when Washington makes a wrong decision against us."

This was effectively a threat that North Korea could launch a nuclear attack on the U.S. mainland in an emergency. It also signaled that North Korea would continue its hardline stance against South Korea and the U.S. next year.

The Korean Central News Agency reported that the Hwasong-18 rose to a maximum apogee of 6,518.2 km on the 18th, flew 1,002.3 km for 4,415 seconds (73 minutes and 58 seconds), and accurately landed in the target area over the East Sea's international waters. It added, "The combat capability of the intercontinental ballistic missile units was evaluated as excellent, and the rapid response posture of the Republic's strategic forces and the reliability of our military's strongest strategic nuclear strike means were once again verified."

The Korean Central News Agency made clear that this launch was a reaction to the agreement reached on the 15th between South Korea and the U.S. to conduct 'nuclear operational exercises' at the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) meeting. The agency labeled the NCG meeting as a 'nuclear war simulation.' It stated, "They openly revealed their intention to carry out large-scale joint exercises simulating 'nuclear retaliatory strikes' against the Republic," and added, "In response to the grave situation, the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea ordered the implementation of strong warning countermeasures."

North Korea conducted a launch drill of the solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-18 under the observation of Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, on the 18th, the Korean Central News Agency reported on the 19th. (Photo by Korean Central News Agency, Yonhap News)

This is the third time North Korea has launched the solid-fuel ICBM Hwasong-18, capable of rapid and surprise launches, following launches in April and July of this year.

Chairman Kim Jong Un expressed great satisfaction with the launch drill, saying, "The results of this drill are a practical demonstration of the formidable offensive power possessed by our national military strength and the reality and reliability of absolute nuclear war deterrence." He continued, "The malicious confrontation ambitions of the U.S. imperialists and their followers will not subside on their own," emphasizing, "We must never tolerate the reckless and irresponsible military threat actions of the enemies that shake the foundation of peace and security in the Korean Peninsula region."

He also stressed, "When the enemies continue to make wrong choices, we must clearly respond with more evolved and more threatening methods and counter strongly with more offensive actions." The news agency reported that Kim Jong Un presented several new major tasks to accelerate the strengthening and development of nuclear strategic forces.