Centrum Stosunków Międzynarodowych - 22 August 2016: North Korea threatens again with a nuclear attack

North Korea has yet again threatened with a nuclear attack on Washington and Seoul. It is happening as the US and South Korea began the annual military drills today, known as the Ulchi Freedom Guardian manouveres. South Korea’s unification minister has expressed his regret when hearing of the nuclear threat, and reassured that it is not in the intention of South Korea or the US to stage an attack on the North. This information seems to come at a fateful time, when the US is planning to place a high-tech defense missile system in South Korea and following the defection of North Korean diplomat Thae Yong Ho. The president of South Korea has concluded that there are ‘serious cracks’ among the North Korean ruling elite and the authorities could be likely to carry out some action to divert the public attention from problems within the party.