Kim Jong Un Demands 'Drastic Boost' in Weapons Production

Facts

• North Korea's state media reported Monday that Kim Jong Un has called for a "drastic boost" in the production of missiles, rocket-launcher shells, and other weapons to meet the needs of frontline military units.¹
• On Friday and Saturday, the reclusive leader visited military plants for the second time in recent weeks to observe the manufacturing of tactical missiles, mobile launch platforms, and artillery shells.²
• This request follows a meeting of the North Korean Central Military Commission last week, in which Kim reportedly urged his army to prepare offensively for a potential war amid high tensions in the Korean Peninsula.³
• The push for more missiles and weapons also comes as US officials claim that Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu negotiated the purchase of munitions during a visit to Pyongyang last month as the Ukraine War continues.⁴
• Meanwhile, South Korea and the US confirmed Monday that the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercise will start on Aug. 21 and run through Aug. 31, focused on enhancing the combined defense capabilities against multiple threats.⁵
• A day earlier, a South Korean National Security Council official told reporters that US Pres. Biden will host Japan's Fumio Kishida and South Korea's Yoon Suk Yeol at Camp David on Friday to discuss cooperation against threats from Pyongyang.⁶

Sources: ¹Al Jazeera, ²Wall Street Journal, ³Washington Examiner, ⁴FOX News, ⁵Korea Herald, and ⁶Bloomberg.

Narratives

• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by AntiWar. When Washington was truly committed to de-escalating tensions with North Korea, Pyongyang responded positively, halting missile tests and demolishing several testing sites. This changed when the US began to increase its military presence in the Asia-Pacific, posing an existential threat to the DPRK. Carrying out provocative drills will only escalate tensions.
• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by DW. Seoul and Washington have demonstrated goodwill toward Pyongyang in the hopes of creating an environment conducive to disarmament talks for four years. However, as North Korea has failed to make good on its promises — resuming its missile tests and further developing its nuclear program — a posture shift is necessary for the South and its allies to prepare for an attack from the North.

Predictions