Informal Institute for National Security Thinkers and Practitioners

Quotes of the Day:

“Choose someone whose way of life as well as words, and whose very face as mirroring the character that lies behind it, have won your approval. Be always pointing him out to yourself either as your guardian or as your model. There is a need, in my view, for someone as a standard against which our characters can measure themselves. Without a ruler to do it against you won’t make crooked straight.”

– Seneca

“The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes.”

– G.K. Chesterton

“Don’t seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will—then your life will flow well.”

– Epictetus

1. north Korea: Talking Points on Private Foreign Investment and Special Economic Zones

2. Full text of Yoon's New Year address

3. Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un's Congratulatory Speech

4. Kim Jong Un and Xi Xinping exchange New Year's messages

5. [New Year Planning] 1. The path forward for the US-Korea alliance “Expanding global cooperation based on security”

6. S. Korea vows responsibility as elected UNSC member as 2-year term begins

7. N. Korea begins discussions on dismantling agencies handling inter-Korean affairs

8. Kim Jong Un’s 2024 Wish List: More Nuclear Bombs, Spy-Satellite Launches

9. S. Korea's economy forecast to grow 2 pct next year.

10. Small tsunamis hit S. Korea after earthquake in Japan

11. Yoon says S. Korea, U.S. will complete strengthened extended deterrence regime in first half of 2024

12. N.K. leader says Korean Peninsula inching closer to armed conflict

13. When Dealing with North Korea, Go Big or Go Home

14. Kim Tells Army To 'Annihilate' S. Korea, US If They Initiate Conflict

15. South Korea staging ‘decapitation drills’ for possible assassination of Kim Jong Un

1. north Korea: Talking Points on Private Foreign Investment and Special Economic Zones

This is part 2 in our series from the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy.

The entire article can be accessed in PDF at this link: https://apstrategy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Talking-Points-North-Korea-Part-2_Thomas-Schaefer_2023.pdf

Part 1 can be accessed here: https://apstrategy.org/2023/12/19/talkingpoints_korea_part1/

Practitioner to Practitioner Series

Talking Points: North Korea

Part 2 Talking Points on Private Foreign Investment and Special Economic Zones

https://apstrategy.org/2024/01/01/talking-points-north-korea-part-2/

January 01, 2024

Ambassador Thomas Schäfer

CAPS Advisory Board

DOWNLOAD THE ARTICLE

Editor’s Note:

The three-part “Talking Points: North Korea” series is the inaugural publication in the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy’s “Practitioner to Practitioner” series, which seeks to provide practical and actionable policy recommendations for practitioners from practitioners.

Talking Points: North Korea Series

by Ambassador Thomas Schäfer

Part 1:

Encouraging A Different Mindset In North Korea: Introduction And Recommended Talking Points On Agriculture, Food Security, Private Economic Activities, And The Enterprise Reform

Part 2:

Talking Points On Private Foreign Investment And Special Economic Zones

Part 3:

Talking Points On Military Spending, Objectives Of Nuclear Armament, Nuclear Negotiations, “Hostile Policy,” A Peace Treaty, And An End-Of-War Declaration

Introduction

In the last twenty years, DPRK at times seemed to welcome private foreign investment, but then rejected it. At the (second) inter-Korean summit in 2007, Kim Jong Il and the South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun agreed upon the prospect of comprehensive South Korean aid and investment, but only months later, the use of foreign capital and technology was declared undesirable by Pyongyang. DPRK has also repeatedly agreed to a rail link from the Chinese to the inter-Korean border, which would be beneficial to all three countries involved, but nothing came of it. The new Chinese built highway bridge across the Yalu River remains unused. Why does DPRK not open up to investment? Why this wavering? Provided that sanctions were lifted, DPRK could develop fast with foreign capital on the basis of a more forthcoming DPRK attitude.

Of course, other conditions would have to be met, e.g. foreign investment and access or travel restrictions are not compatible. Working conditions of North Korean workers would have to meet certain standards.

Special economic zones:

For a time, it seemed that DPRK wanted to attract foreign investment to special economic zones. During the first years of Kim Jong Un’s reign, the provinces were allowed to designate new zones. But the existing zones encountered difficulties: The Diamond mountains zone was closed in 2008, the Kaesong Industrial Zone experienced closures by the military in 2009 and 2013, and was definitely closed in 2016. The zone at the Chinese border near Dandong with existing Chinese built infrastructure and the highway bridge nearby were never inaugurated. Kim Jong Un has never promoted one of these zones through a visit. Except in the Wonsan Tourist Zone, there has been hardly any DPRK investment. The DPRK commitment seems half-hearted at best. Why is that? How do you hope to attract investors in that way?

Background:

Discussion about foreign investment in general:

Since the turn of the century until about 2015/16, the DPRK leadership has discussed time and again whether the country should be open to cooperation, trade, foreign investment. Repeatedly, timid reform steps alternated with measures to again tighten state control, depending on whether reform-minded people or their opponents in the leadership were more influential. In 2007 such a discussion was taking place even after Kim Jong Il clearly appeared to have set the course through his agreement with the South Korean President. The result of the discussions in the leadership at that time was presented in the joint commentary of the important newspapers on New Year’s Day 2008. It said that the existing planned economic system should be maintained without compromise. Economic development “based on our own strength, technology and resources” and raising living standards were deemed the main tasks. The pursuit of profit and an increase in exchanges with foreign countries were considered the right thing to do—this was a positive novelty in a commentary of this sort. However, there was no longer any mention of the procurement of foreign technology or capital. It was also said that the indoctrination of the population should be stepped up as compensation for the ideologically dangerous contacts with foreign countries.

The remainder of the article can be accessed here: https://apstrategy.org/2024/01/01/talking-points-north-korea-part-2/

2. Full text of Yoon's New Year address

Korea in the midst of the world's "polycrisis."

No specific mention of Unification or north Korean human rights. The focus is domestic and economic.

here is the sexcertped section of national security, foreign policy, the ROK/US alliance, trilateral cooperation, cyber, and north Korea:

Fellow Koreans,

Since I took office, the government has fully restored the ROK-U.S. alliance, the linchpin of Korea's foreign policy, and upgraded it to a global comprehensive strategic alliance.

Once neglected Korea-Japan relations have been normalized. Shuttle diplomacy between the two countries was resumed for the first time in 12 years.

Building upon this achievement, Korea, the United States and Japan established a system of trilateral cooperation at Camp David. We are now at the forefront of promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

In accordance with the Korea-U.S. Washington Declaration, we launched the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) and established a nuclear-based ROK-U.S. military alliance.

The Republic of Korea is firmly building a genuine and lasting peace. Korea will build peace through strength. It will not be a submissive peace that is dependent on the good will of the adversary.

Strong security will underpin free economic activities. It will allow the people to carry out their daily lives without fear.

We will accelerate our efforts to build a stronger ROK 3K Defense System to defend against North Korean nuclear and missile threats.

By the first half of this year, we will complete the enhanced ROK-U.S. extended deterrence system to fundamentally deter any North Korean nuclear and missile threat.

Our military will be transformed into a powerful force based on cutting-edge science and technology including AI, and the Manned-Unmanned Teaming System.

Moreover, we will build a cybersecurity environment that the people can trust. Major national institutions and civilian critical infrastructure will be thoroughly protected from various cyber threats, including those of North Korea.

A seamless global economic security network will be built upon such solid national security foundations. We will significantly increase our resilience against disruptions in the supply chains for minerals, materials and parts that bear directly on our key industries and your livelihood.

Since my inauguration, Korea has achieved over 15 billion dollars in average annual defense industry exports.

We will continue to promote the defense industry as a national strategic industry and diversify export destinations and products. We will make Korea one of the world's top four defense exporters by 2027.

Recently, an influential American political news outlet noted that no country in the world has enhanced its international role and status as much as the Republic of Korea over the past two years.

In particular, it reported that the Republic of Korea – a key democracy in Northeast Asia – plays a leading security, economic and cultural role with a reach that extends beyond the Indo-Pacific region all the way to the Atlantic.

The Korean government will continue to realize our vision of a global pivotal state that fulfills its responsibility and contributes to the international community.

Full text of Yoon's New Year address | Yonhap News Agency

en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · January 1, 2024

SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- The following is the full text of President Yoon Suk Yeol's address to the nation on New Year's Day on Monday.

My fellow citizens, and 7 million overseas Koreans,

The year of the blue dragon has dawned. I wish everyone a Happy New Year.

What wish did you make in the first morning of the New Year?

While everyone's wish may differ, I believe we all share the same hope - that this year will be better than the last.

So do I, and so does the government.

This year, our lives will improve and Korea will again leap forward. We will do our utmost to see this through.

Looking back, 2023 was a very difficult year.

The Korean economy faced headwinds both at home and abroad. Geopolitical tensions continued.

High interest rates, inflation, gas prices hindered economic recovery. Everyday lives were hit hard.

How difficult has it been for all of you?

I met you on the field. I saw and heard your hardships. And every time, I was left with a profound sense of responsibility as President.

I did my best to improve your welfare. I tried hard to turn the economy around. But it saddens me that they were not enough.

Yet, even in such difficult times, you vigorously pulled through.

Last year, most economies around the world experienced 'stagflation' marked by high inflation and economic slowdown.

Some countries were hit even harder: those who were heavily dependent on a specific nation; those who failed in their energy transition policies; and those who could not adapt to the era of deepening digitalization.

Amid the global polycrisis, Korea was one of the fastest in the world to lay the groundwork for recovery and growth.

They were possible thanks to the sweat and hard work of people and businesses like you.

I thank all of our people and businesses for having faith in the government and leaping together in strides.

My fellow Koreans,

In the midst of a global polycrisis, improving your daily lives has been at the center of this government's policies. We spared no effort.

We kept sound fiscal principles. We, thereby, secured more room for future fiscal spending, curbed inflation, and maintained Korea's sovereign credit rating.

We normalized the housing market. We got rid of regulations that had distorted the market so that it could work based on economic principles rather than on politics and ideology.

In particular, we lowered the real estate holding tax and relieved the people's burden.

We offered world-class incentives for national strategic technologies including semiconductor industries. We encouraged more company employment and investment by lowering the corporate tax rate.

We allocated 15 national industrial complexes for high-tech industries and 7 specialized complexes for cutting-edge strategic industries. We also eliminated so-called 'killer regulations' which do not meet global standards, nurtured our industries and opened up new markets.

The New Year of 2024 will be a significant turning point for Korea's new leap forward.

Our overall economic vitality will improve as global trade is expected to pick up. Increased export will drive recovery and further growth.

Prices will become more stabilized.

The government will do its best to make sure that the warmth of economic recovery is felt by those who are vulnerable and socially disadvantaged.

Especially, the government and the financial sector will work together to relieve the financial burden of small business owners.

Over the past year, we have properly managed risks that could threaten our economy, such as real estate project financing and household debt. We will continue to manage them thoroughly.

In the new year, we will increase the supply of urban housing so that the people will not have to move to city outskirts in search of new houses.

We will expedite redevelopment and reconstruction projects by reviewing their procedures from scratch. We will also expand the supply of small units suitable for one- or two-person households.

To sustain economic vitality, we will continue to abolish 'killer regulations' that hinder business investment.

We will intensively support cutting-edge industries so that businesses may fully boast their creativity and innovation.

Through the economic and sales diplomacy, our foreign policy has focused on creating jobs for Koreans.

Since taking office, I have had 151 meetings with 96 heads of state. I enlarged the playing field for our businesses and people to realize their full potential.

We will continue to work hard with our job-creating diplomacy in the new year.

Despite the challenging external environment last year, we maintained market economic principles and sound fiscal policy, building upon the vitality of our private sector. As a result, the Korean economy marked the highest employment rate and the lowest unemployment rate on record.

From January to November last year, the employment rate for young people in their late 20s – the main age group for first-time job seekers – averaged 72.3 percent, a record high.

Our efforts and achievements were praised overseas as well.

The globally renowned magazine The Economist ranked us second in a comprehensive assessment of the economies of the 35 OECD member states.

We will make this year one that energizes your daily lives. The warmth of economic achievement and recovery will reach every corner of our society.

Since its inception, my administration has consistently fought and rooted out corruption and illegal activities. Interest group cartels, government subsidies abuse and the harmful effects of monopolies in certain industries have been major targets.

We will continue our endeavors this year to expand your freedom, improve welfare and create a fair society.

We will certainly break up syndicate cartels that are driven by their own interests and ideologies.

We will ensure that everyone enjoys fair opportunity.

Genuine reforms for the people are not possible without fighting corrupt syndicate cartels.

I hope you would encourage and support the government's efforts as it strives to make reforms throughout the year.

Fellow Koreans,

For a sustainable economic growth, we need to enlarge the economy's structural growth potential.

In particular, at a time when the growth potential continues to decline due to low birth rate, we have to make structural reforms in order to raise the overall productivity of our society. Only then can we revitalize our livelihood and continue economic growth.

We must steadfastly pursue the three major structural reforms: labor, education, and the pension system.

First, we will support growth and job creation through labor reforms.

Labor reforms start with the rule of law in labor-management relations.

Law abiding labor movements will be fully guaranteed. However, illegal activities - whether arising from labor unions or management - will be sternly dealt with.

Responding to rapidly changing industrial demands requires a flexible labor market.

A flexible labor market helps increase business investment and creates more jobs.

As a result, workers can enjoy more job opportunities and better treatment at the workplace.

We will transform the wage system into one that focuses on the work you do and performance you achieve rather than on seniority. We will also reform the dual structure of the labor market.

We will ensure that flexible working hours, remote and hybrid work and other working arrangements may become available options through labor-management agreements.

Our future and competitiveness are in our people.

Educational reform is about cultivating talents and future leaders. It is about making our future generations more competitive.

The government will take responsibility and provide world-class education and childcare for our children.

Parents may leave their children carefree at elementary schools from morning to evening. We will relieve the parents' burden of caring for their children and for private education. The children will be able to enjoy diverse educational programs.

We will restore teachers' rights and bring schools back to normal and enhance the competitiveness of public education.

Cases of school violence will be handled not by teachers but by designated professionals.

We will provide bold financial support to universities that pursue innovation, thus nurturing global talent.

I am committed to pushing through a proper pension reform.

Previous administrations left this task unattended.

During my presidential campaign and in my policy objectives, I promised you that I will lay the foundation for pension reform.

To keep that promise, the government collected and processed a huge amount of data through exhaustive scientific mathematical analysis, opinion polls, and in-depth interviews. The results were sent to the National Assembly at the end of last October.

Now, all that remains is to reach a national consensus, and for the National Assembly to choose and decide.

The government will do all it can to draw national consensus by actively participating in the National Assembly's public deliberation process.

Finding a solution to low birth rate is just as important as the three major structural reforms of labor, education and pension.

There is not much time left. We need a completely different approach as we look for the causes and find solutions to the problem.

We must find out the real reasons for low birth rate and identify effective measures.

Well-designed education, childcare, welfare, housing and employment policies can help solve the problem. But more than 20 years of experience taught us that none are fundamental solutions.

Moreover, it is very important to ease the unnecessary and excessive competition in our society, which has been pointed as one of the causes of low birth rate.

To this end, we will resolutely pursue a balanced national development, an important policy objective of my administration, as planned.

Fellow Koreans,

Since I took office, the government has fully restored the ROK-U.S. alliance, the linchpin of Korea's foreign policy, and upgraded it to a global comprehensive strategic alliance.

Once neglected Korea-Japan relations have been normalized. Shuttle diplomacy between the two countries was resumed for the first time in 12 years.

Building upon this achievement, Korea, the United States and Japan established a system of trilateral cooperation at Camp David. We are now at the forefront of promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

In accordance with the Korea-U.S. Washington Declaration, we launched the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) and established a nuclear-based ROK-U.S. military alliance.

The Republic of Korea is firmly building a genuine and lasting peace. Korea will build peace through strength. It will not be a submissive peace that is dependent on the good will of the adversary.

Strong security will underpin free economic activities. It will allow the people to carry out their daily lives without fear.

We will accelerate our efforts to build a stronger ROK 3K Defense System to defend against North Korean nuclear and missile threats.

By the first half of this year, we will complete the enhanced ROK-U.S. extended deterrence system to fundamentally deter any North Korean nuclear and missile threat.

Our military will be transformed into a powerful force based on cutting-edge science and technology including AI, and the Manned-Unmanned Teaming System.

Moreover, we will build a cybersecurity environment that the people can trust. Major national institutions and civilian critical infrastructure will be thoroughly protected from various cyber threats, including those of North Korea.

A seamless global economic security network will be built upon such solid national security foundations. We will significantly increase our resilience against disruptions in the supply chains for minerals, materials and parts that bear directly on our key industries and your livelihood.

Since my inauguration, Korea has achieved over 15 billion dollars in average annual defense industry exports.

We will continue to promote the defense industry as a national strategic industry and diversify export destinations and products. We will make Korea one of the world's top four defense exporters by 2027.

Recently, an influential American political news outlet noted that no country in the world has enhanced its international role and status as much as the Republic of Korea over the past two years.

In particular, it reported that the Republic of Korea – a key democracy in Northeast Asia – plays a leading security, economic and cultural role with a reach that extends beyond the Indo-Pacific region all the way to the Atlantic.

The Korean government will continue to realize our vision of a global pivotal state that fulfills its responsibility and contributes to the international community.

Fellow Koreans,

Upon the New Year, I read my inaugural speech once more.

I kept my feet running to keep the promises I made to you. But more needs to be done.

In the new year and with renewed commitment, I will do more to run harder.

Above all, I will join you in the field and listen to your voices, even the smallest ones, and pursue policies that will change your everyday lives.

The people are at the center of my government's every policy. It is not a government that just carries out reviews. My government will be an 'action-oriented, problem-solving government'.

If someone has to do what is necessary for our future and for the children, I will take on that responsibility now.

I hope all your wishes will come true in the new year. The government and myself will do our very best.

Thank you.

(END)

en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · January 1, 2024

3. Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un's Congratulatory Speech

I am not sure if this is meant to be Kim's New Year's address. I think this is really directed toward the party. Some amazing spin on all the "successes and transformations."

Excerpts:

We have worked stoutly this year and achieved the successes we so desired and wanted to achieve without fail, thus making it full of events that will open a new epochal phase on the road of advance of our revolution.

Still I can hardly remember a year like this one, when our painstaking efforts have led to such proud successes and conspicuous transformations.

These precious successes are a fruition of the strenuous and devoted efforts made by all of you, members of the leadership body of the Party Central Committee, present here.

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un's Congratulatory Speech

https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1704096352-321635241/respected-comrade-kim-jong-uns-congratulatory-speech/

Date: 01/01/2024 | Source: KCNA.kp (En) | Read original version at source

Pyongyang, January 1 (KCNA) -- The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un made a congratulatory speech on December 31, Juche 112 (2023).

His speech is as follows:

Comrades,

We will soon see out the year 2023, a year of continued struggle.

We have worked stoutly this year and achieved the successes we so desired and wanted to achieve without fail, thus making it full of events that will open a new epochal phase on the road of advance of our revolution.

Still I can hardly remember a year like this one, when our painstaking efforts have led to such proud successes and conspicuous transformations.

These precious successes are a fruition of the strenuous and devoted efforts made by all of you, members of the leadership body of the Party Central Committee, present here.

I thank you, comrades, for all the efforts you have made this year.

There was no one who participated empty-handed in the December Plenary Meeting that proudly reviewed the year 2023. Every one of you defended your post with a sense of responsibility, working against overwhelming odds to perform your tremendous tasks, and remained faithful to the mission the Party and the people entrusted to you.

Tough as the going has been, you have moved forward through the hardships. In the course of this, you have been further tempered ideologically and mentally, refined your traits and improved your abilities remarkably, gained valuable experiences and lessons, and become further convinced of yourselves.

The success that is no less precious than the immediately visible achievements we made in 2023 is the fact that our leadership officials have become better qualified, and this makes me happier than anything else.

This will provide a solid guarantee for the victory we will continue to achieve in the new year.

I am confident that, if we press forward in the same staunch, proactive and pioneering spirit in the new year, we will creditably perform the important duty we have assumed for our revolution and people, and achieve more than what is expected of us.

Comrades,

More tasks lie ahead of us.

What we have done so far is fairly trifling and small, as compared to our people's happy life and future we are dreaming of.

We have no reason to rest on our laurels with what we have done nor the right to feel satisfied with them.

Feeling remorseful for failing to live up to the expectations of the people, we should always be mindful of them and work hard to make 2024 a year of redoubled efforts for the good of our great state and people.

To our great Democratic People's Republic of Korea,

To the health of all the people, members of the Party and service personnel of the People's Army, who will be greeting the new year soon, and

To the happiness and good health of all the families across the country,

I propose a toast. -0-

www.kcna.kp (Juche113.1.1.)

4. Kim Jong Un and Xi Xinping exchange New Year's messages

Both messages below.

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Sends New Year Greetings to Xi Jinping

https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1704075231-123572383/respected-comrade-kim-jong-un-sends-new-year-greetings-to-xi-jinping/

Date: 01/01/2024 | Source: KCNA.kp (En) | Read original version at source

Pyongyang, January 1 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), sent a message of greeting to Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and president of the People's Republic of China, on the New Year's Day of 2024.

In the message the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un , on behalf of the Workers' Party of Korea, the DPRK government and the Korean people, extended warm greetings to General Secretary Xi Jinping, the Communist Party of China, the government of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese people on the occasion of the New Year 2024.

2024 is a significant year marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and the People’s Republic of China, the message said.

The two parties and governments of the DPRK and China have fixed this year as a "year of DPRK-China friendship", and this accords with the common expectation and desire of the peoples of the two countries to further develop the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation as demanded by the era at a time when socialist construction in the two countries has entered a new stage of progress and the international situation is complicated, the message added.

I am pleased to declare the beginning of the "year of DPRK-China friendship" together with Comrade General Secretary, and convinced that the invincibility of the DPRK-China friendship, forged and consolidated in the struggle for socialism, will be fully displayed this year, too, said the message.

Through the "year of DPRK-China friendship", the two parties and two countries will further promote exchange and visits in all fields, including politics, economy and culture, further deepen the ties of friendship and unity and intensify the cooperation in the joint struggle to safeguard regional and global peace and stability, thus adding a new page to the history of the DPRK-China relations, noted the message.

The message wished Xi Jinping good health in the new year, too, greater success in his responsible work of leading the party and the state, and the People's Republic of China prosperity and the Chinese people happiness. -0-

www.kcna.kp (Juche113.1.1.)

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Receives Greetings from Xi Jinping

https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1704075228-74434510/respected-comrade-kim-jong-un-receives-greetings-from-xi-jinping/

Date: 01/01/2024 | Source: KCNA.kp (En) | Read original version at source

Pyongyang, January 1 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a message of greeting from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and president of the People's Republic of China (PRC), on Jan. 1.

In the message, Xi Jinping extended sincere greetings and best wishes to the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un , the Workers' Party of Korea, the government of the DPRK and the Korean people on behalf of the Communist Party of China, the government of China and the Chinese people and on his own behalf on the occasion of the new year 2024.

The message said that 2024 is the year marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the PRC and the DPRK.

He said in the message that he would declare with Kim Jong Un that 2024 would be set as a "year of China-DPRK friendship", and that joint celebrations would be held in all fields to inject fresh vitality into the development of China-DPRK relations.

China and the DPRK are the friendly neighbors linked by the same mountain and rivers, the message said, and went on:

The China-DPRK friendship, personally provided by the leaders of the elder generations of the two parties and two countries, has been consolidated in the bloody revolutionary struggle, and steadily deepened in the course of socialist construction. It has also overcome the trials of the ever-changing international situation.

In recent years, the traditional China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations have entered a new historic period, thanks to the joint efforts and encouragement of both sides.

Both sides have maintained close strategic communication, intensified working-level cooperation and strengthened coordination and cooperation in multilateral international issues, thus promoting the continuous development of the China-DPRK relations and defending the common interests of the two countries and regional peace and stability.

Under the new situation in the new period, the Chinese party and government are consistently dealing with the China-DPRK relations at a strategic level and from a long-term angle.

It is our steadfast policy to successfully defend, consolidate and develop the traditional China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations.

The Chinese side, together with the DPRK side, will add glory to the traditional friendship, deepen strategic trust, and promote exchange and cooperation with the DPRK on the occasions of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the "year of China-DPRK friendship", thus encouraging China-DPRK relations to advance and achieve greater development along with the times. By doing so, we are willing to make a ceaseless new contribution to jointly opening a new chapter of China-DPRK friendship, providing better welfare to the peoples of the two countries and safeguarding regional peace and stability.

The message wished the DPRK prosperity, and its people happiness and well-being.

It also wished the "year of China-DPRK friendship" good success. -0-

www.kcna.kp (Juche113.1.1.)

5. [New Year Planning] 1. The path forward for the US-Korea alliance “Expanding global cooperation based on security”

Many of us weigh in on the Korean security situation. This is a Google translation of a VOA report.

[New Year Planning] 1. The path forward for the US-Korea alliance “Expanding global cooperation based on security”

https://www.voakorea.com/a/7419461.html

2024.1.1

Junho Ahn

Amid growing threats from authoritarian countries surrounding the Korean Peninsula, such as North Korea's nuclear and missile development and arms trade with Russia, the United States and South Korea must establish and implement an overwhelming joint defense plan based on the 'Washington Declaration', an American expert said. They ordered it. He also suggested that the United States, South Korea, and Japan should institutionalize security cooperation equivalent to an alliance to counter threats posed by North Korea, China, and Russia. As 2024 begins, VOA's special report examines the situation on the Korean Peninsula by sector. Today, the first step is to diagnose the new year's vision for the U.S.-ROK alliance, which will expand into a strategic alliance and global partnership. Reporter Ahn Jun-ho reports.

As North Korea continues to expand and upgrade its nuclear forces, there are proposals in Washington that the 'Washington Declaration' adopted by the leaders of the United States and South Korea last year should be further specified this year to dramatically increase deterrence against North Korea.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris, who served as commander of the Pacific Command, told VOA that as the U.S. and South Korea built a stronger alliance last year, including the Washington Declaration, “this year, the two countries will pursue closer cooperation in the military, economy, and diplomacy areas to meet the Washington Declaration’s He predicted, “This will be a year of adding ‘meat’ to the ‘bones’ (deeper cooperation in military, economics, and diplomacy; putting ‘meat on the bones’ of the Washington Declaration).”

The Washington Declaration, adopted by U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol in April last year to mark the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK alliance, is evaluated as having dramatically improved nuclear cooperation between the two countries.

Based on the Washington Declaration, the two countries established the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) in July last year, and further strengthened extended deterrence (nuclear umbrella) cooperation between the two countries against threats from North Korea, including the regular deployment of strategic assets such as U.S. nuclear-powered submarines to the Korean Peninsula.

Evans Revere, former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said, “The U.S.-ROK relationship is reaching a historic peak in terms of cooperation, coordination, and power.” “Thanks to the Washington Declaration, the establishment of the Nuclear Consultative Group, the resumption of major U.S.-ROK joint exercises, and the frequent deployment of U.S. strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula, the extended deterrence and credibility of the U.S. and the readiness of U.S. and South Korean forces to defend Korea are clearer than ever. The explanation is, “It has become stronger.”

[Former Deputy Assistant Secretary Revere] “The US-ROK relationship is now at a historic high point in terms of cooperation, coordination, and strength. Thanks to the Washington Declaration, the establishment of the Nuclear Consultative Group, the resumption of major bilateral exercises, and the frequent deployment of US strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula, the power and credibility of the US extended deterrent and the readiness of US and ROK forces to defend South Korea have never been clearer and stronger.”

He then predicted, “In 2024, the United States and South Korea will take important steps to update the joint defense plan to deter North Korea’s advancement of nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.”

In particular, he said, “It will make it clearer that we have the ability to decisively defeat North Korea in the event of an emergency,” and selected “large-scale training based on challenging scenarios such as the possibility of North Korea using nuclear weapons” as a visible implementation plan.

[Former Deputy Assistant Secretary Revere] “In 2024, I expect the United States and the ROK to take significant steps to update their combined defense plans to ensure they can deter North Korea from ever using its growing nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. The allies will also make it even clearer that they have the ability to decisively defeat North Korea in the event of a conflict. They will do this by conducting major exercises with challenging scenarios, including ones based on the possibility that Pyongyang might threaten to use nuclear weapons. 2024 will be the year that Washington and Seoul demonstrate that the alliance's capacity to deter and, if necessary, defeat North Korea is greater than it has ever been.”

He predicted, “2024 will be the year in which the U.S. and South Korea prove that their alliance’s ability to suppress North Korea and, if necessary, defeat it is stronger than ever.”

Gary Seymour, former White House coordinator for weapons of mass destruction, said, “Measures such as the Washington Declaration and the ‘Spirit of Camp David’ agreed upon by the leaders of the United States, Korea, and Japan last August have made America’s ‘Asian alliance system’ much stronger.”

Specifically, he cited “missile defense and greater training, coordination, and information sharing” as achievements and pointed out that “it made not only North Korea but also China nervous.”

[Recording: Former Coordinator Seymour] “So I think all of these steps have really led to a much stronger US alliance system in Asia, including missile defense and greater exercises, coordination, sharing of intelligence and so forth. And I think that’s made not only North Korea, but also China nervous.”

At the same time, it is expected that this year will be followed by practical measures to implement extensive summit agreements such as the Washington Declaration and the Camp David Declaration.

The US Air Force B-52H strategic bomber landed at Cheongju Air Force Base in Korea in October last year, with the flags of both the US and Korea raised in front.

Experts expected that more training and U.S. military strategic assets would be deployed to the Korean Peninsula this year to further deter North Korea's nuclear weapons.

Sam Tangredi, director of the Future Warfare Research Institute at the U.S. Naval War College, said, “In general, visits to overseas ports by submarines are not well known to the outside world,” noting that the U.S. Navy has recently publicly made several visits to Korea by nuclear-powered submarines.

In particular, he said, “This includes strategic nuclear submarines (SSBNs), which rarely visit ports,” and that “it serves as a deterrent to North Korea by reminding the Kim Jong-un regime that U.S. nuclear weapons are much smaller and have a longer range than North Korea’s nuclear weapons.” “It is an effort by both the U.S. and Korea to strengthen.”

[Director Tangredi] “Recently the US Navy has conducted number of publicized nuclear submarine port visits in the ROK. Normally submarine visits to overseas ports are kept low profile. This included a port visit by a nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). SSBNs rarely make port visits. Obviously, the US and ROK are trying to reinforce deterrence of North Korea, reminding the Kim regime that the US nuclear arsenal dwarfs that of the NK and out ranges it.”

Dennis Wilder, former senior director for Asia at the White House National Security Council (NSC), predicted that military cooperation between the two countries will remain active in the new year, saying, “Training more similar to actual combat will be conducted and more U.S. strategic assets, such as aircraft carrier groups, will visit Korea.” I predicted it.

[Former Senior Director Wilder] “In the military sphere, there will be attention to more realistic exercises and the visit to SK of more US military assets, including carrier battle groups to demonstrate the US commitment in the face of the dangerous North Korean threat. South Korea has also committed to becoming a Global Pivotal State and there will be greater coordination on a variety of topics from Ukraine to Taiwan to the South China Sea.”

Furthermore, he said, “As Korea has pledged to become a global pivotal country, cooperation between the U.S. and Korea will be strengthened on a variety of topics, from Ukraine to Taiwan to the South China Sea.”

In February last year, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan navies conducted joint missile defense training in international waters near the Korean Peninsula. From left, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Aegis destroyer Atago, the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Barry, and the Korean Navy's Aegis destroyer Sejong the Great.

Experts suggested that the U.S., South Korea, and Japan should work more closely together to counter the escalating threats from North Korea, China, and Russia in Northeast Asia.

Former Senior Director Wilder urged, “The decision by the three countries to share missile launch information in real time is important, but now all three countries must implement this decision in a way that provides prompt and accurate information.”

In addition, he said, “Trilateral defense training must now become routine to strengthen China’s regional offensive, deepen North Korea-Russia relations, and counter threats from North Korea.”

[Former Senior Director Wilder] “The decision for real-time sharing of missile launch intelligence is important but will now need to be implemented in a manner that provides fast and accurate information to all three parties. Three-way defense exercises should now become commonplace as the three parties confront both the greater Chinese aggressiveness in the region, the growing Russia-NK relationship, and the NK threat.”

Former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Revere cited the progress in the trilateral relationship between the U.S., Korea, and Japan, which shares fundamental values and faces common threats, as one of the most important diplomatic and security developments in East Asia.

He said, “The three countries are building an important partnership that sends a strong message to potential enemies, especially North Korea and those who seek to undermine the rules-based order.” He added, “Expanding joint and joint training among the three countries, significantly strengthening information sharing, and increasing “We expect significant progress in cooperation between the three countries, including the development of highly sophisticated mechanisms to counter North Korea’s ballistic missile threat,” he said.

There was also a suggestion that cooperation among the three countries should be institutionalized through a permanent security agreement between the United States, Korea, and Japan.

Andrew Yeo, Korea Distinguished Service Chair at the Brookings Institution, said, “With no dialogue with North Korea at all and relations between North Korea, Russia, and China strengthening, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan will not only strengthen South Korea’s defense posture, but also strengthen the U.S.-led alliance network like no other. “We are sending a strong political message to other actors in the region that we are stronger than ever.”

She went on to suggest that “the relationship between the United States, Japan, and South Korea, although falling short of an alliance, should continue to be institutionalized under a more permanent security agreement.”

[Yeo Chairperson] “In the absence of dialogue with North Korea, and growing ties between NK, Russia, and China, the trilateral not only strengthens South Korea's defensive posture, but sends a powerful political message to other regional actors that the US-led alliance network remains stronger than ever. Although the trilateral may fall short of an alliance, US-Japan-Korea relations should continue to institutionalize under a more permanent security arrangement.”

U.S. President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida took a commemorative photo in San Francisco, where the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit was held in November last year.

There were also suggestions that Korea and Japan need to expand cooperation, including involvement in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the G7.

“At the multilateral level, the U.S., Korea, and Japan have common interests in shaping the agenda of NATO and the G7,” said Mark Tokola, vice president of the Korea-U.S. Economic Institute (KEI), who served as the U.S. deputy ambassador to Korea. “There is a high possibility that I will attend the NATO 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington in January,” he said.

“NATO is interested in expanding its relationship with South Korea and Japan, and the same goes for South Korea and Japan,” he said. “The world is no longer neatly divided into Atlantic and Pacific policy areas.”

He also said, “Korea and Japan’s involvement in NATO and the G7 will be another factor that will bring the two countries closer together and allow for the exchange of opinions between the two,” adding, “It is logical to expand the G7 to include Korea and Australia.” .

[Deputy Director Tokola] “NATO has an interest in expanding its relationships with Korea and Japan and vice versa. The world is no longer neatly divided into Atlantic and Pacific policy areas. I assume that Korea and Japan will find their involvements with NATO and the G7 to be another factor that draws them closer together and on which they may wish to bilaterally compare notes. It seems to me logical that the G7 should be expanded to include Korea and Australia.”

Previously, former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, a senior advisor to President Biden, also proposed expanding the G9 by adding Korea and Australia to the existing G7 in an article titled 'It's Time to Become a G9', which he contributed to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace last November. The argument was to expand the scope of the liberal democratic market economy to counter the expansion of China and Russia.

Experts suggested that cooperation in the economic, scientific and technological fields between the U.S. and South Korea, which was further strengthened last year, should be expanded this year beyond bilateral cooperation to include countries that share values.

“Last year, the U.S. and South Korea strengthened existing cooperation on supply chains, critical minerals, and climate change, while also beginning dialogue on next-generation core and emerging technologies,” said Troy Stangeron, senior director at the Korea Economic Institute (KEI). “Hyundai Motors and Kia Motors, which are now able to sell eligible electric vehicles, are now able to sell the second largest number of electric vehicles in the U.S. after Tesla,” he said.

“Supply chain and technology issues are often not bilateral issues,” said Stangeron. “This year and in the years ahead, it will be increasingly important for the United States and Korea to work together with like-minded partners.”

“Semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy technologies, quantum computing and other emerging technologies will play a critical role in future economic growth and national defense,” he said. “We need to work together to develop standards and regulations,” he suggested.

[Senior Director Stangeron] “Supply chain and technology issues are rarely bilateral issues. In 2024 and in the years ahead, it will be increasingly important for the United States and South Korea to work with like-minded partners informally and in existing international institutions. Semiconductors, AI, clean energy tech, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies will be critical to future economic growth and national defense. Working collaboratively to commercialize those technologies and ensure that international rules and norms are developed by like-minded partners is an important part of economic cooperation.”

Deputy Director Tokola also said, “The United States and South Korea are leading advanced technology powers,” adding, “Both countries will benefit from sharing views on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, disinformation, and other challenges posed by the rapidly changing technological environment.” “It will be possible,” he said.

This year, cooperation between the two countries in the field of North Korean human rights is expected to deepen further.

Former White House National Security Council (NSC) adviser Sumi Terry, co-producer of the documentary film 'Beyond Utopia', which depicts the desperate story of two families of North Korean defectors seeking freedom, said in a phone call with VOA that day, "The previous South Korean government did not address North Korean human rights issues. “It was not handled properly,” he said, adding, “Now that both Korea and the United States have special envoys for human rights, there will be a lot of coordination between the two countries in 2024.”

Former aide Terry said, “First of all, there needs to be greater pressure on the Chinese government,” and pointed out, “On the issue of North Korean defectors alone, the Chinese government is still detaining thousands of North Korean defectors.”

In particular, he mentioned the fact that Chinese authorities forcibly repatriated hundreds of North Korean defectors to North Korea last October, and said that the two countries “could work together to find ways to put pressure on the Chinese government, and this is a priority that must be done immediately.” .

[Recording: Former Aide Terry] “And now that we have human rights envoy, you know both in South Korea and in the United States, hopefully we'll see a greater coordination in the coming year. (omitted) Maybe they can work together to see what's possible in terms of pressing the Chinese government. I think that’s in immediate priority.”

U.S. President Donald Trump, who is running in this year's U.S. presidential election, spoke at a campaign event held in Waterloo, Iowa, on the 19th of last month.

However, even in this strong U.S.-ROK alliance, there are variables.

The US presidential election is less than a year away. In particular, former President Trump, the leading Republican presidential candidate, called for the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Korea or a five-fold increase in Korea's defense cost share during his time in office.

Chair Andrew Yeo said, “The Trump administration will pursue U.S. foreign policy in a different direction than the Biden administration,” and added, “It is an assumption, but if Trump and Kim Jong-un sit down at the negotiating table again, Trump may make a concession to withdraw the partial U.S. troops from Korea.” “There are concerns that this could be presented, which would cause friction between the governments of both the United States and South Korea,” he said.

[Yeo Chairperson] “A Trump administration will orient US foreign policy in a different direction from the Biden administration. Should Trump and Kim end up at the negotiating table again – and that's a big if – there are concerns that he might offer a partial withdrawal of troops as a concession. “This of course would create friction between Trump and the Yoon government.”

There are concerns about major political changes in both countries, including the U.S. presidential election as well as the Korean general election.

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Revere said, “The biggest challenge the U.S.-ROK alliance will face over the next one to two years is any threat from the United States, South Korea, or both that could reverse or undermine the progress that has been made in rebuilding, strengthening, and developing the U.S.-ROK alliance over the past three years.” “The possibility of significant political change,” he pointed out.

He continued, “It is important for current leaders in Washington and Seoul to increase public understanding and support for the achievements of the U.S.-ROK alliance and to persuade citizens of each country why these achievements should be maintained, including the trilateral partnership with Japan.” “I said,” he said.

David Maxwell, vice president of the Asia-Pacific Strategy Center, who served as the chief of staff for the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, said in a phone call with VOA, “The leaders of the U.S. and Japan are trying to institutionalize the alliance and the trilateral cooperation function using the Camp David summit as an opportunity,” and added, “Recently, Congress passed the NATO “Passing a new law regarding non-withdrawal is also a precautionary measure to prevent Trump from taking actions that could harm NATO relations if he is elected,” he said.

[Recording: Deputy Representative Maxwell] “We’ve just seen the Congress implement new legislation about the inability to withdraw from NATO, which could be ahead, considered a hedge against possible Trump action that would if elected that he might harm the NATO relationship.”

On the 14th, the U.S. Congress included a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act that would prevent the president from arbitrarily withdrawing from NATO.

Former President Trump repeatedly mentioned U.S. withdrawal from NATO during his time in office.

However, American experts pointed out that the alliance must be further strengthened as the threat from authoritarian countries such as China and Russia as well as North Korea grows.

“The world has changed, the threats from China, Russia, North Korea and Iran have grown, and the need for strong relationships with our allies is more pressing today than it was even a few years ago,” said Wilder, former NSC senior director for Asia.

[Former Senior Director Wilder] “The world has changed since President Trump was in office and the threat from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran has grown. The need for strong relationship with the allies is far more pressing today than it was a few years ago. The many ways in which the alliance has been strengthened should outlast any administration because they are needed to keep the Indo-Pacific free and open.”

He emphasized, “In order to keep the Indo-Pacific region free and open, various ways to strengthen alliances must continue for a long time, regardless of the administration.”

This is Ahn Jun-ho of VOA News.

A special report prepared by VOA at the start of 2024. Next time, we will tell you about the North Korea-China-Russia solidarity, which has emerged as an important variable in regional security, and the alliance between the US, Korea, and Japan to counter it.

6. S. Korea vows responsibility as elected UNSC member as 2-year term begins

This is South Korea's 3d term on the UNSC. north Korea has never been elected to be a member. Just saying.

S. Korea vows responsibility as elected UNSC member as 2-year term begins | Yonhap News Agency

en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Seung-yeon · January 1, 2024

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea vowed Monday to do its part "responsibly" to contribute to international efforts in addressing global challenges that threaten peace and security, as it began its two-year term as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

South Korea won the UNSC nonpermanent member seat in June last year with 180 votes from 192 member states at the U.N. General Assembly in New York. It will serve on the council, one of the six key organs of the U.N., until 2025.

The UNSC is primarily responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, including armed conflicts around the world. It is the only U.N. body with the authority to issue binding solutions to member states.

It is the third time for South Korea to serve on the council as one of the 10 elected members.

The U.N. General Assembly opens at the U.N. headquarters in New York on June 6, 2023. In a vote at the meeting, South Korea was elected as a nonpermanent member of the 15-member United Nations Security Council for a two-year term starting on Jan. 1, 2024. (Yonhap)

In a press release, the foreign ministry highlighted the role of the UNSC at a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult for the council to speak with "one single voice" on major international issues.

"The Security Council is experiencing difficulties ... due to conflicts among the permanent members and confrontations between blocs. As a result, it is becoming important for 10 elected members like South Korea to come together to persuade the permanent members and find a breakthrough," the ministry said.

"For the next two years, we will play a responsible role in ensuring that the Security Council responds effectively to major issues that threaten international peace and security, such as the North Korea issue, the Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Palestine issue," it said.

In addition, South Korea will contribute to promoting the agenda related to U.N. peacekeeping and peacebuilding; women, peace and security; and emerging security threats, including cyber and climate security, the ministry said.

South Korea previously served as an elected UNSC member in 1996-97 and 2013-14.

Nonpermanent seats are allocated to three countries in Africa, two in Asia, one in Eastern Europe, two in Latin America and the Caribbean, and two in Western Europe and other regions.

For the 2024-25 term, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Guyana will serve as nonpermanent members, along with South Korea.

elly@yna.co.kr

(END)

en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Seung-yeon · January 1, 2024

7. N. Korea begins discussions on dismantling agencies handling inter-Korean affairs

Ironically, this is in a way responding to and mirror imaging the changes in the South's Ministry of Unification although it is shifting from north-South engagement to actual planning for unification and with a focus on human rights in the north.

N. Korea begins discussions on dismantling agencies handling inter-Korean affairs | Yonhap News Agency

en.yna.co.kr · by CHANG JAE SUN · January 1, 2024

SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- North Korea began discussions on dismantling agencies in charge of inter-Korean relations, state media reported Monday, after leader Kim Jong-un said there is no point in seeking reconciliation and unification with South Korea.

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui led the discussions with related officials, including Ri Son-gwon, head of the North's United Front Department (UFD) in charge of relations with South Korea, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Choe "held a consultative meeting with officials concerned on Jan. 1 to thoroughly carry out the tasks ... to dismantle and reform the bodies in charge of the affairs related to the South and the struggle against enemy and change the fundamental principle and orientation of the struggle," the KCNA said.

At the end of a key Workers' Party meeting last week, Kim stressed the need to take measures for "readjusting and reforming" the organizations in charge of inter-Korean affairs, including the UFD, and to "fundamentally change the principle and orientation of the struggle."

Kim also defined inter-Korean ties as those of "two states hostile to each other" and called for stepped-up preparations to "suppress the whole territory of South Korea," saying it is a mistake to regard the South as the partner of reconciliation and reunification.

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui delivers a welcome speech during a reception for her Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on Oct. 18, 2023, in this file photo provided by the North's Korean Central News Agency. Lavrov arrived in Pyongyang earlier in the day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

(END)

en.yna.co.kr · by CHANG JAE SUN · January 1, 2024

8. Kim Jong Un’s 2024 Wish List: More Nuclear Bombs, Spy-Satellite Launches

Excerpts:

Pyongyang is likely to continue its hard-line policies and weapons launches ahead of South Korean parliamentary elections in the spring and the U.S. presidential elections in November, security experts say.

“The level of threats both sides are perceiving from each other has increased sharply,” said Ellen Kim, deputy director and senior fellow of the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.

Last year, North Korea conducted nearly 30 missile tests, making significant progress in solid-fuel ballistic-missile technology and its satellite program. That includes three launches of its newest Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile, making major advances in diversifying an arsenal that has an expected range long enough to reach the U.S. mainland.

Weapons experts say the solid-fuel ICBM can be deployed more quickly and with more stealth than prior variants. Kim also accomplished one of his top weapons objectives by successfully launching a homegrown spy satellite into orbit in November, following two botched attempts earlier in the year.

“We need to swiftly respond to a possible nuclear crisis and mobilize all physical means, including nuclear force, in a bid to accelerate preparations for the great event of putting the entire territory of South Korea under our control,” Kim said on the last day of the plenary meeting.

Kim Jong Un’s 2024 Wish List: More Nuclear Bombs, Spy-Satellite Launches

North Korea, with political cover from Russia and China, wants to double down on its illegal weapons activity of the prior year

https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/kim-jong-uns-2024-wish-list-more-nuclear-bombs-spy-satellite-launches-ec034884?st=uzb2mbp14uffj1n&utm

By Dasl Yoon

and Timothy W. Martin

Jan. 1, 2024 2:43 am ET

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech during a year-end plenary meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party in Pyongyang, North Korea, in December. PHOTO: KCNA/ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEOUL—Throughout 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for the expansion of his country’s weapons arsenal. This year, he plans for more military strengthening and vows to destroy the U.S. or South Korea should either attempt an attack.

Pyongyang plans to carry out three more spy-satellite launches and accelerate nuclear-weapons production in 2024, Kim told top North Korean officials in recent year-end meetings. The 39-year-old dictator ruled out reunification with South Korea. And he echoed prior dissatisfactions with the U.S., urging his country to prepare for an armed conflict that could occur at any time.

Kim outlined to senior military leaders the potential response to an enemy attack on North Korea, according to a Monday report in state media. “Our army should deal a deadly blow to thoroughly annihilate them,” Kim was quoted as saying.

Kim often uses year-end speeches or New Year’s Day addresses to preview what the regime may do next, using the spotlight to issue threats to enemies or hint at prospects of engagement. But Pyongyang hasn’t been in the mood for talks with the U.S. or South Korea for years.

Instead, North Korea has revved up nuclear advances and grown tighter with neighboring allies in China and Russia. In response, Washington, Seoul and Tokyo have bolstered three-way defense exercises and linked up their missile-radar data with one another.

What Kim Jong Un’s Changing Outfits Reveal About North Korea

S. Korea's economy forecast to grow 2 pct next year | Yonhap News Agency

en.yna.co.kr · by Chang Dong-woo · December 31, 2023

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's economy is forecast to grow an average 2 percent next year, as it is expected to struggle with weak domestic demand in spite of a gradual recovery in exports, according to reports Sunday.

The average outlooks by 20 local and international think tanks are largely in line with the 2.1 percent growth forecast recently announced by the Bank of Korea but lower than the government's 2.4 percent projection announced in July.

The state-run Korea Development Institute and the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics have projected growth rates of 2.2 percent and 2 percent for next year, respectively. The Korea Institute of Finance has put forth a 2.1 percent growth forecast.

This graphic produced by Yonhap News TV shows the logo of the Korea Development Institute superimposed over images related to South Korean trade activities. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Growth projections by the International Monetary Fund, the Asian Development Bank and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development were averaged at 2.2 percent.

The three international institutions all projected for the South Korean economy to benefit from a rebound in the global chips industry and China's economic recovery, but noted potential risks involving growing household and corporate debts.

Private think tanks and securities firms, meanwhile, have released relatively lower growth outlooks.

The growth projection by five key institutions, including Hyundai Research Institute, LG Economic Research Institute and Woori Finance Research Institute, was averaged at 2 percent.

Inflation projections for South Korea by the 20 institutions, meanwhile, were averaged at 2.6 percent for 2024, in line with the 2.6 percent prediction by the central bank.

odissy@yna.co.kr

(END)

en.yna.co.kr · by Chang Dong-woo · December 31, 2023

10. Small tsunamis hit S. Korea after earthquake in Japan

(3rd LD) Small tsunamis hit S. Korea after earthquake in Japan | Yonhap News Agency

en.yna.co.kr · by Yoo Jee-ho · January 1, 2024

(ATTN: ADDS info in para 4)

SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported small tsunamis in parts of the East Sea on Monday following a major earthquake off Japan's west coast.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said a 7.6 magnitude quake that struck Ishikawa and nearby prefectures around 4 p.m. caused minor tsunamis in waters off South Korea's east coast province of Gangwon on Monday evening.

Firefighters in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, inspect a beach by the East Sea on Jan. 1, 2024, as a major earthquake off Japan's west coast caused minor tsunamis in waters off the South Korean east coast. (Yonhap)

According to the KMA, a wave off the east coast city of Gangneung reached 20 centimeters at 6:01 p.m., while a wave seen off another coastal town of Donghae was measured at 45 centimeters at 6:05 p.m.

As of 8 p.m., a tsunami wave had hit 67 centimeters off Mukho, a district in Donghae. Earlier in the day, the KMA had estimated that the maximum vertical height of the tsunami waves in the region would stay below 50 centimeters -- a level that will prompt a tsunami warning. The KMA also said even waves at 20 to 30 centimeters can still cause damage.

The KMA noted that the height of a tsunami could jump to a more dangerous level depending on the ebb and flow of the tide, and that tsunamis may affect Gangwon for more than 24 hours.

Firefighters patrol Gangneung Port in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, on Jan. 1, 2024, with a "No Entry" sign put up on a seawall by the East Sea in light of minor tsunamis caused by a major earthquake off Japan's west coast. (Yonhap)

Earlier in the day, Gangwon sent tsunami warnings via text messages to residents in six cities and counties by the ocean, urging people near coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground.

The local maritime police forces said they were keeping close tabs on the developing situation, while noting there was no report of damage by early Monday evening.

Gangwon provincial meteorological authorities issued a warning for high waves in waters off coastal towns, with the wind measured at up to 16 meters per second.

They added low-lying coastal areas could remain vulnerable to high waves throughout Monday night and into the early hours of Tuesday.

Following the quake, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa and lower-level tsunami warnings or advisories for the rest of the northwestern coast of the island of Honshu.

Japanese media said torrents of water could reach 5 meters in height, though there were no immediate reports of damage.

South Korea's foreign ministry said it had not yet received any report of injury or damage for South Korean nationals in Japan as of Monday evening. It said the South Korean Consulate General in Niigata, which also oversees Ishikawa, will continue to monitor the situation and offer whatever assistance South Korean people may need in the wake of the quake.

The foreign ministry said an estimated 1,200 South Koreans reside in Ishikawa Prefecture and another 800 in the adjacent Toyama Prefecture.

This image provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration on Jan. 1, 2024, shows an area in Japan where a major earthquake was reported, prompting tsunami warnings in Japan and advisories against rising sea levels in South Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

11. Yoon says S. Korea, U.S. will complete strengthened extended deterrence regime in first half of 2024

(LEAD) Yoon says S. Korea, U.S. will complete strengthened extended deterrence regime in first half of 2024 | Yonhap News Agency

en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · January 1, 2024

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details of Yoon's speech, background)

By Lee Haye-ah

SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol said Monday that South Korea and the United States will complete a strengthened "extended deterrence" regime in the first half of 2024 to seal off North Korea's nuclear and missile threats at their source.

Yoon made the remark in a New Year's Day address as he stressed his commitment to building a "genuine and lasting peace" through strength.

"By the first half of this year, we will complete the enhanced South Korea-U.S. extended deterrence system to fundamentally deter any North Korean nuclear and missile threat," he said from the presidential office. "Strong security will underpin free economic activities. It will allow the people to carry out their daily lives without fear."

President Yoon Suk Yeol's New Year's Day address is broadcast on a television at Seoul Station on Jan. 1, 2024. (Yonhap)

Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to defending an ally with all of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons.

Under the Yoon administration, Seoul and Washington have stepped up cooperation on nuclear planning and operations to better counter North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats.

During the second meeting of the allies' Nuclear Consultative Group in December, the two sides agreed to complete a set of guidelines for a shared nuclear strategy by the middle of 2024.

North Korea test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile days later, with leader Kim Jong-un saying the launch showed what option he would take "when Washington makes a wrong decision."

Yoon devoted a large portion of his address to economic issues, saying the past year was difficult for many people as high interest rates, high inflation and high oil prices hampered the nation's economic recovery.

"We will make this year one that energizes your daily lives," he said. "The warmth of economic achievement and recovery will reach every corner of our society."

In particular, Yoon promised to increase the supply of urban housing so that people will not have to move to city outskirts in search of new homes.

"We will expedite redevelopment and reconstruction projects by reviewing their procedures from scratch," he said. "We will also expand the supply of small units suitable for one- or two-person households."

Yoon also vowed to continue his push for deregulation to spur more investment by businesses and thoroughly support cutting-edge industries to encourage business creativity and innovation.

He reaffirmed his commitment to driving out "cartels with vested interests," a reference to corruption among public officials and various interest groups, and delivering results in the top three reform areas of labor, education and pensions.

"Labor reforms start with the rule of law in labor-management relations," he said. "Law abiding labor movements will be fully guaranteed. However, illegal activities -- whether arising from labor unions or management -- will be sternly dealt with."

Yoon also noted the urgency of tackling the country's low birth rate.

"There is not much time left," he said. "We need a completely different approach as we look for the causes and find solutions to the problem."

hague@yna.co.kr

(END)

en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · January 1, 2024

12. N.K. leader says Korean Peninsula inching closer to armed conflict

When will conflict occur? Deliberately when US troops are withdrawn from the peninsula. But we cannot discount miscalculation by Kim or the result of an internal threat to the regime (or regime collapse).

N.K. leader says Korean Peninsula inching closer to armed conflict | Yonhap News Agency

en.yna.co.kr · by CHANG JAE SUN · January 1, 2024

SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for perfecting the military's readiness posture, saying the Korean Peninsula is "inching closer to the brink of armed conflict" and a clash could happen at any time, state media said Monday.

Kim made the remark during a meeting with major commanding officers of the Korean People's Army at the office building of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party on Sunday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

During the meeting, Kim analyzed in detail "the critical security environment on the Korean peninsula inching closer to the brink of armed conflict as the days go by and the nature of the U.S. and other hostile forces' military confrontation moves," the KCNA said.

"He said that the situation indicates the urgency to further sharpen the treasured sword for safeguarding the security and peace of the DPRK and perfect the army's regular military response posture," the KCNA said, referring to the acronym for the North's official name.

Kim also said it is a fait accompli that an "armed conflict may occur any time."

"The more dynamically the Korean revolution advances, the more desperately the U.S. imperialists and the ROK clan try to stop it," he was quoted as saying, stressing that "Our army should frustrate any forms of provocations of the enemy without fail with firm hostility toward the enemy."

ROK is short for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

"If the enemy opt for military confrontation and provocation against the DPRK, our army should deal a deadly blow to thoroughly annihilate them by mobilizing all the toughest means and potentialities without moment's hesitation," he said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attends the ninth plenary meeting of the eighth Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea on Dec. 30, 2023, in this photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency the next day. The five-day meeting kicked off Dec. 26. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

(END)

en.yna.co.kr · by CHANG JAE SUN · January 1, 2024

13. When Dealing with North Korea, Go Big or Go Home

I am sorry, there are no big ideas here. This conclusion does not offer anything significant or new. Going for a nuclear freeze (again) will result in Kim Jong Un assessing his strategy a success. To believe that Kim Jong Un will negotiate in good faith and begin to liberalize as a result of our engagement is simply fantasy.

We must understand the nature, objectives and strategy of the Kim family regime. This article does not display such knowledge and understanding. My apologies for my blunt critique.

Excerpts:

Only after Washington has embarked on this effort, which is also crucial to defending against China, will it be possible to engage North Korea diplomatically. Until then, we simply don’t have enough chips on our side of the table to prevail.

After that point, we can be magnanimous, offering the elimination of sanctions, arms reductions, and the removal of conventional U.S. forces from South Korea where they defend a country that can defend itself from conventional attack and where, due to South Korean politics, they will be of little use in a conflict of China.

The cost should be freezing North Korea’s nuclear program and opening a dialogue on issues ranging from diplomatic normalization to economic engagement to human rights, similar to the U.S.-Soviet Helsinki Accords that enabled détente with Moscow in the 1970s. Both sides would foreswear efforts at regime change or preemptive war. Still, North Korea would agree at least to begin liberalizing its brutal tyranny, whose insularity increases the chance of accidental war. As with the Soviets, the North Koreans could conversely criticize America’s form of government to their heart’s desire.

This program could only work if undertaken at the secretary of state and presidential level. In the past, when the United States and North Korea established “working-level groups” of diplomats, it was clear the North Koreans couldn’t negotiate anything and were paralyzed by fear. Following the United States’ defense and nuclear renaissance, a U.S. president would likely have to devote considerable time and energy to such a diplomatic project.

The alternative is a North Korea that evolves into a more dangerous threat that can attack the United States directly.

When Dealing with North Korea, Go Big or Go Home

North Korea is evolving from a relatively contained regional nuisance to a threat with far greater potential reach. As the change occurs, past U.S. methods of dealing with Pyongyang under both political parties won’t work.

The National Interest · by Christian Whiton · December 29, 2023

Remember the good old days when North Korea was destitute? It trafficked labor to Russia and the Middle East to generate modest foreign currency. Its embassies abroad needed to finance themselves and kick back loot to Pyongyang. The North Korean embassy in Berlin ran a hostel. The one in Bangkok ran a restaurant. Others smuggled exotic items ranging from currency to crystal meth to elephant tusks. Apparently, a diplomatic pouch need not only contain cables that no one reads.

North Korea's Cycle of Aggression, Explained

On a larger scale, North Korea ran an extortion racket to obtain foreign aid. It would commence a cycle of aggression—firing up its plutonium-producing reactor at Yongbyon, revealing it also had a uranium bomb project, sinking a South Korean corvette, or testing missiles or nukes themselves. The United States, backed by South Korea and Japan, would offer humanitarian and economic assistance in exchange for promises of better behavior.

The North Koreans would pocket the aid and then take a breather before starting the cycle again. It produced major gains for Pyongyang during both the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. Clinton approved $4 billion in energy aid. Bush was a little cheaper with payola, but the funds eventually flowed.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un and his associates must laugh at such trivialities today. According to one report, North Korea stole $3 billion in cryptocurrency over the past six years, with $1.7 billion of that accruing in 2022 alone. The full number is likely larger still and is supplemented with other cyber scams. Government finance meetings in Pyongyang probably resemble mafia confabs in the 1970s when participants suddenly realized narcotics distribution made protection rackets look like child’s play.

The reality is that North Korea no longer cares about swindling humanitarian assistance from Washington, Seoul, or Tokyo. Its nuclear weapons are crude by the standards of other nuclear powers, but its last test probably yielded at least five times the fifteen-kiloton shot that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945. (Pyongyang claims it has a hydrogen bomb capability, but a less-powerful boosted fission bomb is a better bet.) Its past tests of long-range ballistic missiles and the recent launch of a spy satellite suggest it can deliver at least a handful of city-destroying nuclear weapons to most places on the globe, including all of the continental United States.

What North Korea lacks is a “second-strike” capability that could survive a large preemptive nuclear attack. Theoretically perfect deterrence requires this capability. Such a development, which Pyongyang may have in mind, would require a much larger, better-tested, and mobile arsenal, which would make the world a less safe place, especially given the risk of miscalculation or accidents in the paranoid and insular North Korean state.

What Should Washington Do? Go Big or Go Home on North Korea

To meet the threat, Washington should go big or go home.

President Joe Biden has tacitly rejected the approach of his predecessor, Donald Trump, who boldly held two summits with the North Korean dictator and tried to entice a process of engagement and opening, at least after a period of brinkmanship and enjoyable personal insults.

Today, the brinkmanship won’t work. Who cares if ancient U.S. B-52 bombers fly across South Korea or vulnerable U.S. aircraft carriers drift around the vast expanse of the Western Pacific until their next lengthy overhauls in distant San Diego? Kim Jong Un doesn’t, despite pro-forma condemnations of allied military exercises to the contrary.

However, Mr. Biden’s approach doesn’t work either. He repudiated Trump’s policy and hasn’t pursued top-level meetings. Pyongyang has rejected lower-level meetings. Over the past three years, North Korea has grown more militarily capable—despite closing itself off from the world during the COVID pandemic.

However, North Korea would have to respond diplomatically following the nullification of its nuclear arsenal and second-strike capabilities. That outcome would require fixing U.S. military procurement by fielding the next generation of pervasive, autonomous drones in the air and sea that could attack North Korean military targets or shoot down North Korean missiles in their powered-flight boost phase. The United States should have redundant space-based systems that could destroy missiles from North Korea (or others) in mid-flight, even in mass numbers, and terminal-phase defenses at key military sites and major U.S. cities. These steps are also crucial to deterring nuclear powers China and Russia—and perhaps Iran one day soon.

Washington also needs to replace its increasingly vulnerable nuclear missiles, which are slower and easier to detect and foil than new hypersonic missiles that adversaries are developing that travel at five to ten times the speed of sound. America needs its own hypersonic nuclear and conventional missiles—both cruise missiles that fly like planes and ballistic missiles that transit space—that are stealthy, maneuverable, and survivable. The Pentagon hasn’t even tested a nuclear warhead since 1991—a negligent act that calls into question the arsenal’s safety and reliability. Absurdly, our failed defense procurement experts are planning to field redesigned warheads that would never be tested. If you were a cop or soldier, would you trust your life to a new gun model or ammunition that had never been tested?

The United States must also protect itself by putting an end to the scam that is cryptocurrency and ensuring all government and eventually all business computer networks are built with zero-trust software-design principles that encrypt information at the data level to radically reduce the opportunity for cyber-attacks.

Only after Washington has embarked on this effort, which is also crucial to defending against China, will it be possible to engage North Korea diplomatically. Until then, we simply don’t have enough chips on our side of the table to prevail.

After that point, we can be magnanimous, offering the elimination of sanctions, arms reductions, and the removal of conventional U.S. forces from South Korea where they defend a country that can defend itself from conventional attack and where, due to South Korean politics, they will be of little use in a conflict of China.

The cost should be freezing North Korea’s nuclear program and opening a dialogue on issues ranging from diplomatic normalization to economic engagement to human rights, similar to the U.S.-Soviet Helsinki Accords that enabled détente with Moscow in the 1970s. Both sides would foreswear efforts at regime change or preemptive war. Still, North Korea would agree at least to begin liberalizing its brutal tyranny, whose insularity increases the chance of accidental war. As with the Soviets, the North Koreans could conversely criticize America’s form of government to their heart’s desire.

This program could only work if undertaken at the secretary of state and presidential level. In the past, when the United States and North Korea established “working-level groups” of diplomats, it was clear the North Koreans couldn’t negotiate anything and were paralyzed by fear. Following the United States’ defense and nuclear renaissance, a U.S. president would likely have to devote considerable time and energy to such a diplomatic project.

The alternative is a North Korea that evolves into a more dangerous threat that can attack the United States directly.

About the Author

Christian Whiton was a State Department senior advisor in the George W. Bush and Trump administrations and was the deputy special envoy for North Korean human rights issues. He is a senior fellow at the Center for the National Interest and author of Smart Power: Between Diplomacy and War.

The National Interest · by Christian Whiton · December 29, 2023

14. Kim Tells Army To 'Annihilate' S. Korea, US If They Initiate Conflict

This is all about creating the perception of the threat from the South and the US to justify the sacrifice and suffering of the Korean people in the north.

Kim Tells Army To 'Annihilate' S. Korea, US If They Initiate Conflict

Barron's · by AFP - Agence France Presse

At a meeting with North Korea's major commanding officers in Pyongyang on New Year's Eve, Kim said his military should "annihilate" the enemy if provoked, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

Kim's comments echo his threats made during year-end party meetings of a nuclear attack on Seoul and orders for a military arsenal build-up to prepare for a war that he said could "break out any time" on the peninsula.

During the meetings to set the policy agenda for 2024, the North Korean leader accused the United States of posing "various forms of military threat".

He also called on armed forces to "suppress the whole territory of south Korea mobilizing all physical means... including nuclear forces" in case of a "great event", referring to an armed conflict.

Kim told the meeting he would no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, noting the "uncontrollable crisis" that he said was triggered by Seoul and Washington.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed Monday to keep Pyongyang's military provocations at bay with a joint extended deterrence system with Washington, scheduled for the first half of 2024.

The deterrence system will "fundamentally deter any North Korean nuclear and missile threat", Yoon said in his New Year's Day address.

In 2023, Pyongyang successfully launched a reconnaissance satellite, enshrined its status as a nuclear power in its constitution and test-fired the most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile in its arsenal.

Pyongyang declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power in 2022 and has repeatedly said it will never give up its nuclear weapons programme, which the regime views as essential for its survival.

The United Nations Security Council has adopted many resolutions calling on North Korea to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes since Pyongyang first conducted a nuclear test in 2006.

kjk/dva

Barron's · by AFP - Agence France Presse

15. South Korea staging ‘decapitation drills’ for possible assassination of Kim Jong Un

Assassination is the wrong word but its use can be expected from press and pundits (and even among some in the military). But if Marshall Kim Jong Un (the Commander in Chief of the north Korean People's Army) miscalculates and attacks South korea he will be a legitimate leadership target and he will be targeted as a command and control/leadership target to prevent his ability to launch nuclear weapons and command and control the north Korean military,

South Korea staging ‘decapitation drills’ for possible assassination of Kim Jong Un

New York Post · by Social Links for Alex Oliveira View Author Archive Get author RSS feed · December 31, 2023

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South Korea admitted its military is actively conducting “decapitation drills” for the possible assassination of North Korea’s Kim Jong Un — who vowed Sunday to boost the hermit kingdom’s nuclear arsenal, build military drones and launch new spy satellites in 2024.

Taking out the Hermit Kingdom’s supreme leader is an “option,” South Korean (ROK) defense minister Shin Won-sik told reporters during an interview on MBN television, according to NK News — a rare admission from Seoul leaders about an operation that hasn’t been publicly discussed for at least six years.

Asked by reporters whether assassination drills were still on the table and if US nuclear weapons could be deployed to the region, Won-sik said “both are considered options,” and added US forces have even taken part in assassination drills.

“While it is difficult to openly discuss decapitation, the ROK-US special operation forces are… conducting training,” Won-sik said.

“This training is for aerial maneuvers, raids on key facilities and indoor mop-up,” he added.

The under-the-radar drills with US Army Special Forces took place earlier in December, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is the primary target of “decapitation drills” held by the South Korean military this week KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Images

On Sunday, Kim cautioned that US and South Korean policies were making war on the peninsula a “realistic reality,” and laid out military goals for the new year, including launching three new spy satellites to increase the targeting capability of North Korea’s nuclear weapons, according to state media.

“Because of reckless moves by the enemies to invade us, it is a fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean peninsula,” Kim said at a year-end address, North Korean state news agency KCNA reported.

US deployments of nuclear assets and drills in the region have made South Korea a “forward military base and nuclear arsenal” for America, Kim said.

He ordered the North Korean military to be prepared to “pacify the entire territory of South Korea,” including with nuclear weapons in response to any attacks.

In response, South Korea promised “the Kim Jong-Un regime will face its end” with the might of the US- Korean coalition of Kim initiated any aggressions.

Kim Jong Un ordered his miltary to use nuclear weapons to respond to any attacks during a year end address Sunday AP

Assassination of Kim was last openly discussed in 2017, when former South Korean defense minister Song Young-moo announced plans to establish the “decapitation unit,” so called because it would specialize in elimination of North Korean leaders.

The units involved helicopters and planes specially designed to drop troops into North Korea under the cover of night and carry out assassinations, according to the New York Times.

While North Korea is vocal about its weapons of mass destruction, South Korea does not maintain a nuclear stockpile by choice. One of Seoul’s best options for deterring North Korea is to keeping Kim worried, according to officials.

“The best deterrence we can have, next to having our own nukes, is to make Kim Jong-un fear for his life,” former South Korean general Shin Won-sik told the Times in 2017.

South Korean special forces have been training in conjunction with US special forces for assassination missions AP

Renewed talks of the decapitation unit came just a day after North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile test for the first time five months.

The missile reportedly used solid fuel, a crucial element required for nuclear-tipped missiles to reach the US from the Korean peninsula. A day before, North Korea launched a short-range missile test.

Both tests are believed to have been made in response to a meeting between US and South Korean leaders held in Washington on Dec. 15, in which both decided to conduct trainings for nuclear scenarios during joint exercises next summer.

In April, President Biden warned a North Korean attack on South Korea would “result in the end of whatever regime.”

Earlier in December, he reiterated his words, saying such an attack “will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response.”

With Post wires

New York Post · by Social Links for Alex Oliveira View Author Archive Get author RSS feed · December 31, 2023

De Oppresso Liber,

David Maxwell

Vice President, Center for Asia Pacific Strategy

Senior Fellow, Global Peace Foundation

Editor, Small Wars Journal

Twitter: @davidmaxwell161

Phone: 202-573-8647

email: david.maxwell161@gmail.com

De Oppresso Liber,

David Maxwell

Vice President, Center for Asia Pacific Strategy

Senior Fellow, Global Peace Foundation

Editor, Small Wars Journal

Twitter: @davidmaxwell161

email: david.maxwell161@gmail.com

If you do not read anything else in the 2017 National Security Strategy read this on page 14:

"A democracy is only as resilient as its people. An informed and engaged citizenry is the fundamental requirement for a free and resilient nation. For generations, our society has protected free press, free speech, and free thought. Today, actors such as Russia are using information tools in an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of democracies. Adversaries target media, political processes, financial networks, and personal data. The American public and private sectors must recognize this and work together to defend our way of life. No external threat can be allowed to shake our shared commitment to our values, undermine our system of government, or divide our Nation."

Access NSS HERE

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