North Korea warns ‘full-blown’ war if reckless remarks from South continue

North Korea has struck back in retaliation to the comments made by the defense minister of its Southern adversary, warning the country of a merciless “full-blown war”. 

In a statement released on Sunday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister Kim Yo-jong called the South’s defense minister Suh Wook, a “reckless” and “scum-like guy” for stating that his country is set to launch preemptive missile strikes if and when needed, the Guardian reported. 

Suh made his risky comment on Friday while visiting South Korea‘s strategic missile command. His remark comes days after North Korea began running missile tests, including an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the first in around four years.

Also Read | North Korea’s long-range ballistic missile launch concerns US, Japan

According to experts, North Korea‘s recent missile tests aim to boost the country’s weapon technology and gain leverage in future negotiations with the United States. 

“The senseless and scum-like guy dare mention a preemptive strike at a nuclear weapons state,” Kim said in a statement released to North Korean state-run media.

Also Read | China, Russia must send ‘strong message’ to North Korea over ICBM testing: US

“South Korea may face a serious threat owing to the reckless remarks made by its defense minister…South Korea should discipline itself if it wants to stave off disaster,” Kim added. 

Suh’s comments have thrown a wrench in the works, shattering South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s hope of the two nations reconciling. 

Pak Jong Chon, a secretary for North Korea’s ruling Workers party’s central committee, also responded to Suh’s statement, warning him that “any slight misjudgment and ill statement rattling the other party under the present situation” could result in “a dangerous conflict and a full-blown war.”

Pak added that if the Southern nemesis dares to launch a preemptive strike, North Korea will “mercilessly direct military force into destroying major targets in Seoul and the South Korean army.”