North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to bolster his nuclear weapons program in response to the U.S.’s enhanced security partnership with South Korea and Japan. Last year, the U.S. expanded bilateral military exercises with South Korean and trilateral training with South Korea and Japan.

SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said an elevated U.S. security partnership with South Korea and Japan poses a grave threat to his country and vowed to further bolster his nuclear weapons program, state media reported Sunday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said an elevated U.S. security partnership with South Korea and Japan poses a grave threat to his country and vowed to further bolster his nuclear weapons program.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kangdong County Hospital and General Service Center in Kangdong County, North Korea, February 6, 2025, in this photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS

Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, reaffirmed on the 8th that the United States is behind the conflicts occurring not only on the Korean Peninsula but also around the world, stating that he would strengthen nuclear forces.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un criticizes the trilateral military cooperation between the United States, Japan and South Korea for only increasing tensions

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un threatens to step up all deterrence measures, including nuclear capabilities. According to intelligence reports, Kim Jong-un has sent thousands of soldiers to Moscow to fight in the war in Ukraine.