South Korea showcased its most powerful ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5, during a grand Armed Forces Day ceremony on October 1, 2024, amid rising tensions with North Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol warned that the North’s regime would collapse if it attempted to use nuclear weapons.
The display of military strength comes as North Korea recently revealed a uranium-enrichment facility and conducted missile tests, raising regional tensions ahead of the US presidential election in November. “If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the South Korea-US alliance,” President Yoon declared to thousands of troops at a military airport near Seoul. He emphasized that the North Korean regime must abandon the belief that nuclear weapons will ensure its security.
The ceremony featured approximately 340 military equipment and weapon systems. The newly unveiled Hyunmoo-5 missile is capable of carrying around eight tons of conventional warhead, capable of penetrating deep into the earth to destroy underground bunkers in North Korea. This was the first time South Korea publicly displayed this missile.
The United States also participated in the event, flying a long-range B-1B bomber to demonstrate its security commitment to South Korea, alongside advanced fighter jets from the South Korean military. Since taking office in 2022, President Yoon has focused on strengthening military alliances with the US and enhancing trilateral security cooperation with Washington and Tokyo in response to North Korea’s escalating nuclear program.
Concerns regarding North Korea’s nuclear ambitions intensified last month after the country showcased images of its uranium-enrichment facility, the first since revealing one at its Yongbyon nuclear complex in 2010. South Korean officials speculate that North Korea may continue to conduct provocative tests to gain leverage in future negotiations with a new US administration.
Earlier on the same day, North Korea’s Vice Defense Minister, Kim Kang Il, condemned US military actions in South Korea, including the temporary deployment of military assets, and vowed strong retaliation. He hinted at bolstering North Korea’s nuclear capabilities and hinted at the possibility of test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach the US mainland.