North Korea commissions 2nd naval destroyer as US, South Korea and Japan begin a military drill

SEOAN, South Korea - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un commissioned his second naval destroyer, the Kang Kon, on Sunday in Wonsan, signaling a commitment to building a more dependable nuclear deterrent, according to state media. The recent commissioning of the destroyer places North Korea's naval fleet among the most advanced globally, equipped with nuclear-capable missiles.

Kim Jong Un stated that this move aims to instill fear in enemies and enhance the practicality of the nuclear war deterrent. As the U.S., South Korea, and Japan commenced the five-day military drill Freedom Edge, North Korea interpreted it as a security threat. The Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. of adopting a more confrontational stance, citing the drill and reported U.S. comments about North Korea's commitment to denuclearization.

In response to the U.S.-South Korean drill, North Korea executed approximately 10 short-range ballistic missile launches. Kim Jong Un has previously expressed willingness to resume diplomacy with the U.S. if the U.S. alters its hostile policy and acknowledges North Korea's nuclear status. However, experts suggest that Kim's deepening ties with Russia and China, coupled with his advancing nuclear arsenal, have bolstered his leverage in negotiations.