North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, ordered all his top officials to use maximum force against South Korea and the United States (US) should the two allies start a military confrontation.
Recently, South Korea and the US have increased defense cooperation in the face of a series of weapons tests even as North Korea's missile launches are still at a record high over the past year.
During a meeting with top North Korean officials in Pyongyang on New Year's Eve, Jong-un asked his troops to "destroy" the enemy if they provoked.
Through his statement, if the enemy chooses to provoke the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). His army has to launch a deadly attack to completely destroy them and mobilize all the riskiest strategies and potentials without hesitation.
Kim Jong-un has also previously issued a threat regarding a nuclear attack on Seoul and ordered his military to develop the weapon to prepare for a war that could break out at any time on the Korean Peninsula.
Meanwhile, his side will also no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with South Korea following the uncontrollable crisis triggered by Seoul and Washington.
During the policy agenda setting meeting for 2024, he also accused that the US has posed various forms of military threats.
On the other hand, President Yoon Suk-yeol vowed that South Korea will maintain provocations against Pyongyang's military by conducting an advanced deterrence system with Washington scheduled for the first half of 2024.
