Part 12/13:
North Korea’s leadership, under Kim Jong-un, views its nuclear arsenal as the cornerstone of regime survival. The regime’s complaints come as U.S. and allied military exercises in the region increase, which North Korea interprets as rehearsals for invasion. Experts warn that missile tests may intensify, with North Korea seeking to demonstrate its military resilience to both regional and global audiences.
President Trump’s previous diplomacy with North Korea—marked by the historic 2018 summit—may again be a focus as North Korea seeks to reassert its strategic importance on the world stage. The timing of these threats underscores Kim Jong-un's intent to keep Washington and its allies on edge, leveraging nuclear brinkmanship as a tool of negotiation.