North Korean Foreign Ministry: "Japan Plays a Role in Military Response... Do Not Become the Target Yourself"

Researcher Kim Seolhwa of the Japan Research Institute: "Do Not Bring Anger Upon Yourself"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] North Korea is raising its level of criticism toward Japan following its criticism of our government.

Regarding the recent joint military exercises conducted by South Korea, the United States, and Japan in the East Sea, North Korea accused the Japanese government of "playing a significant role in provoking our military countermeasures," and threatened Japan by saying, "Do not become a target yourself," in response to Japan's constant harsh remarks about North Korea's recent missile launches.

On the 24th, North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted an article titled "Do Not Bring Trouble Upon Yourself," authored by Kim Seol-hwa, a researcher at the Japan Research Institute, stating, "Japanese authorities have been nitpicking every measure we take to strengthen our national defense," and directly criticized, "This is nothing but the height of ignorance and reckless behavior, completely lacking logical judgment."

It added, "If Japan insists on making disparaging remarks about our fair exercise of the right to self-defense, it is clear that security instability will only increase," emphasizing, "Japan should no longer foolishly make itself a target and bring trouble upon itself."

In particular, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued, "Military exercises by tactical nuclear operating units and test launches of long-range strategic cruise missiles are legitimate exercises of self-defense aimed at exposing the root causes of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, protecting regional peace and stability, and realizing true international justice."

Earlier, on the 4th, Japan strongly criticized North Korea's launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) that passed over the Japanese archipelago, calling it an "outrage." Subsequently, Japan imposed additional unilateral sanctions, including freezing the assets of five organizations involved in North Korea's nuclear and missile development.

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