North Korea said South Korea would become a “decisive target” for collective retaliation if it served as a central hub in a US-led collective-defense system, according to state media KCNA. The commentary also criticized US deployments and joint drills.
The remarks appeared in a KCNA commentary by Kang Chol Su, whom the agency described as a department director at the Institute for Enemy State Studies. Kang accused Washington of using South Korea as a base for global hegemony and a platform for deployment in overseas conflicts. He cited remarks by the US Forces Korea commander describing South Korea as a key centre of collective defence.
The commentary said Pyongyang had prepared countermeasures and would “ruthlessly crush” challenges to its security. US Forces Korea did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment. The United States stations about 28,500 military personnel in South Korea to help deter aggression from North Korea.
