Kim Yo Jong Declares North Korea Will Continue Developing Military Power

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has declared that North Korea will persist in enhancing its military capabilities for sovereignty and regional peace, according to the KCNA news agency on April 25, 2024. This statement comes amid concerns about the deepening collaboration between North Korea and Iran in the development of ballistic missiles and other military technologies.

Experts note that North Korea's missile technology has significantly influenced Iran's capabilities, with the Shahab-3 and Khorramshahr missiles being based on or developed with North Korean assistance. The partnership between the two nations, driven by shared anti-U.S. sentiments, has persisted despite international pressure, and the recent dispatch of a high-level North Korean delegation to Iran has further fueled speculation about potential military collaboration.

Kim Yo Jong's declaration is seen as a response to the increasing U.S. sanctions pressure and military exercises with South Korea, which North Korea views as antagonistic threats. A senior North Korean foreign ministry official stated that the U.S. sanctions have actually served as a catalyst for the country's gradual growth in national power. North Korea has vowed to take stronger real action to make its established military and technological strength irreversible, despite the U.S. sanctions.

Why this matters: The deepening military ties between North Korea and Iran, both under comprehensive international sanctions, raise concerns about the potential destabilizing effects on regional security. The continued development of North Korea's military capabilities, despite international pressure, underscores the challenges in curbing the country's nuclear and missile programs.

In a warning to the U.S. and its allies, Kim Yo Jong criticized the recent military drills conducted by the U.S. and South Korea in areas around North Korea, claiming they have prompted the country to continue with its "most powerful military developments. She stated, "North Korea will continue to build up its 'most powerful' military muscle to defend its sovereignty and regional peace, and warned that 'no one can break our determination.'"

The North Korean Foreign Ministry also spoke out against the U.S.'s criticism of its nuclear missile exercises, stating that it was a legitimate exercise of the right to self-defense. In response, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered his forces to be on alert to deter any challenges from North Korea.

Kim Jong Un recently stated that now is the time for North Korea to be more prepared for war than ever, citing the unstable geopolitical situations surrounding the country. The joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, particularly live-fire drills, have been

Key Takeaways

• North Korea vows to strengthen military capabilities despite US sanctions.
• North Korea-Iran military collaboration raises regional security concerns.
• North Korea claims US-South Korea military drills prompt its "most powerful" military development.
• North Korea defends its nuclear missile exercises as legitimate self-defense.
• North Korea's leader says country must be more prepared for war than ever.