North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has once again raised the specter of nuclear conflict, issuing a stark warning that his regime would not hesitate to unleash its military might — nuclear weapons included — should any adversary attempt to use force against Pyongyang. Reported by state media on Oct. 7, this latest verbal outburst was part of his speech at the Kim Jong Un University of National Defense. The backdrop to Kim’s remarks is significant.

North Korea’s parliament, in session since last Monday, is reportedly set to amend the constitution to further label South Korea as its "primary foe," an unmistakable signal of deepening hostility on the peninsula. It is no accident that this message comes only a few days after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned that any North Korean use of nuclear weapons would invite an "overwhelming" response from the South Korea-U.S. alliance. The escalating rhetoric on both sides denotes the persistent volatility in the region, where decades-old tensions remain tightly wound around the nuclear question, with no resolution in sight.

Not surprisingly, North Korea has again escalated its spate of provocations against South Korea in a rather derisory fashion. In addition to test-firing tactical ballistic missiles capable of carrying massive warheads, the regime has been conducting absurd yet practically poignant gestures as sending garbage-filled balloons across the border and broadcasting propaganda messages. These moves reflect Pyongyang's increased confidence with their bag of multi-pronged tricks.

The missile tests not only show military strength but next-level psychological warfare, assessing how its rivals can take Kim grabbing headlines around the world about his pursuit of nuclear weapons.........

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