New War Worries: South Korean President Urges Troops to 'Smash' North Korean Enemy, Shoot First, Report Later if Attacked

Amid the ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has issued a stern response, emphasizing a proactive approach in case of an attack.

While recently addressing the Fifth Army Infantry Division at the Demilitarized Zone, Yoon urged immediate retaliation if the South is targeted, stating, "Immediately retaliate in response and report it later." He emphasized the need to swiftly “smash the enemy’s desire for provocations immediately on the ground.”

The longstanding accusations of provocative behavior between North and South Korea continue, with each side pointing fingers at the other.

Yoon highlighted North Korea's constitution, which explicitly mentions invasion and first-strike use of nuclear weapons — a unique stance globally.

Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the acceleration of war preparations, citing "extreme" military conditions on the Korean Peninsula, according to Yonhap News Service.

South Korean first responders recently conducted drills in preparation for a potential North Korean attack on Seoul, the capital located just 24 miles from the DMZ, RBC Ukraine reported.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon supports a robust response, even advocating for South Korea to possess its own nuclear weapons, according to The Telegraph.

Se-hoon points as an example to the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, during which Israel's advanced defense system struggled against unconventional attacks.

President Yoon, however, opposes the idea, preferring to strengthen alliances with the U.S. and Japan.

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On Dec. 28, there were key personnel changes in South Korea's security apparatus. Chang Ho-jin was appointed as the new National Security Adviser, replacing Cho Tae-yong, who was nominated for the directorship of South Korea's National Intelligence Service.

Additionally, Lee Kwan-sup became Yoon's new chief of staff, despite having held the position of director of national policies for only about a month.