Kim’s comments came after what he perceived as a threat by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol earlier in the week during a military parade showcasing Yoon’s country’s weapons and military might, according to KCNA, North Korea’s state-controlled media.

KCNA reported that Kim accused the South Korean president of boasting “about overwhelming counteraction of military muscle at the doorstep of the state possessed of nuclear weapons, and it was a great irony that caused the suspicion of being an abnormal man.” He considered Yoon’s comments as a threat to attack his country.

“He affirmed that ‘if’ the enemy, seized with extreme foolishness and recklessness, attempt to use armed forces encroaching upon the sovereignty of the DPRK … the DPRK would use without hesitation all the offensive forces it has possessed, including nuclear weapons” KCNA added.

South Korea celebrated its 76th anniversary of Korea Armed Forces Day with a military parade on Tuesday. It featured a wide array of behemoth weapons and a showcase of military force that included 5,300 troops and 340 different kinds of military weapons and equipment, Reuters reported. 

Of particular note during the festivities were multiple flybys from helicopters, fighter jets, and bombers, including a U.S. B-1B supersonic bomber, and the display of the Hyunmoo-5, a ballistic missile capable of carrying an 8-ton warhead known as the “monster.”

During the festivities, Yoon stressed the importance of his country showing “peace through strength” as a form of deterrence against potential North Korean aggression. Yoon also warned his country’s neighbors to the north of engaging in military action against his country. Incidentally, this warning was the impetus for Kim’s comments about nuclear retaliation.

“If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face a resolute, overwhelming response from our military and the U.S. alliance,” Yoon said. “That day will see the end of the North Korean regime.”

This week’s military parade was first revived in 2023 and appears to be an influenced response to North Korea’s parades that show off its military prowess. Moreover, South Korea’s new Strategic Command also debuted this week. The government entity will be responsible for tracking North Korean military weapons testing and responding to North Korea’s use of weapons of mass destruction.

Kim was none too pleased and assured the world that North Korea did not take Yoon’s words lightly. His response, labeling South Korea as “the enemy,” ensured that North Korea would not genuflect to Yoon’s government. Moreover, he dubbed South Korea as the aggressor. 

“The enemies’ threatening rhetoric, action, trick and attempt did not check the DPRK’s powerful military strength and will not take away our nuclear weapons forever,” Kim declared.