North Korea Criticizes US, Accusing It of Destroying Earth's Ozone Layer After Thousands of Nuclear Tests

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] North Korea continued its criticism toward the United States, this time regarding nuclear tests following human rights issues.

On the 13th, North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted an article on its website authored by Kim Il-cheol, a researcher at the International Political Studies Association, stating, "Since the United States first used the atomic bomb on humanity, it has conducted over 1,000 nuclear tests until the early 1990s, making it the culprit behind the destruction of the ozone layer, which serves as the Earth's life-protecting shield."

The article also cited examples of the U.S. environmental destruction, including the use of depleted uranium munitions during the Iraq War and the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in Seongju County, Gyeongsangbuk-do, which caused electromagnetic wave damage.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed, "The United States, instead of reflecting on its history of environmental destruction filled with sins before the international community, pressures developing countries to shoulder responsibilities beyond their capabilities, thereby attempting to claim their 'moral superiority.'"

It further pointed out, "Behind the U.S. president's ostensible great interest in climate change issues lies the intention to create a favorable atmosphere to evade a serious socio-political crisis at home."

The Ministry emphasized, "Before discussing climate change issues, the United States must sincerely apologize to the world for its crimes of ruthlessly destroying the global environment and properly settle these matters first."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.