North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to deal a
"death blow"
to his country's enemies, state news agency KCNA reported Thursday, as South Korea's ruling party suffered a crushing defeat to the legislative elections. North Korea
“will without hesitation deal a fatal blow to the enemy by mobilizing all means in its possession”
in the event of provocation, Kim Jong-un said, according to KCNA. He made the remarks during his visit to Kim Jong-il Military and Political University on April 10, the same day as South Korea's parliamentary elections, the same source said.
“The time has come to prepare more than ever for a war
,” he also said, adding that his country must
“be more firmly and perfectly prepared for a war, which should be won without fail, and not only to a possible war
. Since early 2024, North Korea has designated Seoul as its
"main enemy"
, closed agencies dedicated to inter-Korean dialogue and threatened to go to war for any violation of its territory
"even by 0.001 millimeter"
. Partially blurred images released by KCNA show Kim Jong-un, surrounded by army officers, inspecting what appears to be a miniature representation of the South Korean capital, Seoul, as well as several maps of different regions of the peninsula.
Yoon Suk Yeol in trouble
The result of the legislative elections was disastrous for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who adopted a hard line towards the North, which possesses nuclear weapons, while improving his relations with Washington. This setback also puts him in a bad position for the remaining three years of his mandate. The Democratic Party (PD, center left), the main opposition party, which won a large victory, is in favor of a less aggressive approach towards Pyongyang.
This result is good news for Kim Jong-un, especially in view of a return to power of former US President Donald Trump in November, according to analysts. Experts say Mr. Trump, who held historic but ultimately unsuccessful summits with Mr. Kim during his presidency, could foster rapprochement with Pyongyang if he returns to the White House.