North Korean leader echoes his readiness to “annihilate” South Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has threatened that his country will use all its military potential to destroy South Korea.

The general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) made this remark while inspecting major munitions factories on January 8 and 9 to learn about the production of weapons and equipment, according to KCNA.

Describing the Republic of Korea (South Korea) as the “principal enemy”, he said what the DPRK should prioritize in the relations with the hostile state running high fever in arms buildup while inciting the confrontation posture with the former is to bolster up the military capabilities for self-defence and the nuclear war deterrent first of all.

He said that “we would by no means unilaterally bring a great event by the overwhelming strength in the Korean peninsula but we have no intention of avoiding a war as well”.

“If the ROK dares attempt to use armed forces against the DPRK or threaten its sovereignty and security and such opportunity comes, we will have no hesitation in annihilating the ROK by mobilizing all means and forces in our hands”, he said, affirming that “we have such will, forces and capabilities and will continue to expand and strengthen them without delay in the future, too”.