SEOUL, August 19 – In a tense moment on the global stage, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for a rapid expansion of the country’s nuclear arsenal. His comments came during a recent visit to a navy destroyer, where he sharply criticized the ongoing joint military drills between the United States and South Korea, calling them a “clear and obvious expression” of hostile intent.
The US and South Korea launched their 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises this week, an annual event aimed at enhancing defense readiness. While both allies insist the drills are purely defensive, Pyongyang sees them differently — as rehearsals for a future invasion.
Kim Jong Un sees these military movements as justification for stepping up North Korea’s nuclear development. “The current security environment demands that we rapidly expand our nuclear capabilities,” Kim said, adding that the inclusion of a “nuclear element” in the joint exercises was particularly provocative.
South Korea’s military confirmed that while the scale of the 2025 drills is similar to previous years, about 20 of the 40 scheduled field training events have been pushed to September. The adjustment comes amid efforts by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to dial down tensions with Pyongyang — efforts that many analysts believe are unlikely to succeed given North Korea’s stance.
North Korea continues to reject international calls for denuclearization. Experts say that this latest move is more than rhetoric. “North Korea is showing the world it’s not just resisting denuclearization — it’s committed to advancing its nuclear program irreversibly,” said Hong Min, a North Korea analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
Meanwhile, the world watches closely. A meeting between US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is expected soon in Washington, where North Korea’s growing arsenal will undoubtedly be on the table.
According to the Federation of American Scientists, North Korea could have enough fissile material to construct up to 90 nuclear warheads, though only around 50 are thought to be assembled.
Adding to its military upgrades, North Korea is also moving ahead with naval capabilities, including plans to build a third 5,000-tonne Choe Hyon-class destroyer by October 2026 and testing cruise and anti-air missiles designed for these ships.
As military activity and rhetoric ramp up, the Korean Peninsula is once again entering a phase of heightened uncertainty — and the stakes are higher than ever.
