North Korea’s ‘Military Muscle’ Ended Conflict With South Korea, According to Kim Jong Un

Tensions between North Korea and South Korea escalated after two South Korean soldiers were wounded in a land mine explosion blamed on the North, ultimately reaching “the most dangerous situation which reached the brink of war,” according to The Washington Post.

During a meeting of the Central Military Commission, Kim announced that the conflict between North and South Korea has come to an end, stating that the agreement “was by no means something achieved on the negotiating table but thanks to the tremendous military muscle with the nuclear deterrent for self-defense,” according to the North’s official Korean Central News Agency.

“We protected the dignity and sovereignty of the country, the gains of the revolution and the happiness of the people by our own efforts amid the tempest of the history without anybody’s support and sympathy,” Kim told officials at a meeting to review the “revolutionary measure” the regime had taken over the past week.

Conflict between the two countries heightened when Seoul reportedly retaliated by switching on huge speakers that blared propaganda about Kim across the border.

Pyongyang reportedly threatened military action if the speakers weren’t silenced by 5p.m. Saturday. The conflict was reportedly resolved after more than 40 hours of talks when South Korea settled for an expression of regret.

Despite the recent announcement by North Korea, analysts were reportedly surprised by Pyongyang’s willingness to hold talks following the recent tensions.

“By setting a 48-hour ultimatum, the North Koreans were driven into a corner. They could not deliver on their blackmail,” stated Chun Yung-woo, a former South Korean nuclear negotiator and national security advisor.

“The only option for North Korea was to beg for a negotiated solution.”

Robert Kelly, an associate professor of political science and diplomacy at Pusan National University in South Korea, reportedly stated that the talks were used as an opportunity for North Korea to save face, according to USA Today. 

“They really don’t want to have a war because they know they’re going to lose,” stated Kelly.

“They have to gin up some kind of a crisis every few years or so to justify their regime. If there’s no tension with South Korea, if there’s no ‘hostile policies of the Americans,’ then there’s no reason for that regime to exist.”