Kim Jong Un Announces Major Expansion of North Korea's Nuclear Arsenal

North Korea is building more nuclear weapons, leading to concerns from South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. Germany joins a U.N. group, adding to regional tensions.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently shared big news: North Korea plans to build a lot more nuclear weapons. According to state media KCNA, Kim said the country is working hard to increase its nuclear weapons quickly. He believes North Korea needs to be ready to use these weapons to stay safe and defend itself.

In his speech on North Korea’s birthday, Kim talked about needing a strong military to deal with what he sees as threats from the United States and its allies. He thinks this military presence is crucial because of what he calls a “serious threat” from a U.S.-led military group.

In response, South Korea's Deputy Defense Minister Cho Chang-rae met with officials from the U.S. and Japan in Seoul. They were very concerned about North Korea’s new missile tests and nuclear plans. They agreed to work closely together to keep peace and deal with North Korea’s growing power.

The three leaders also decided to hold a new joint military exercise called Freedom Edge to strengthen their defense plans.

Meanwhile, South Korea is having a defense meeting with the United Nations Command (UNC) today. The UNC, led by the U.S. military in South Korea, helps keep an eye on the border between North and South Korea. Last month, Germany joined the UNC, promising to help South Korea if there’s a conflict.

North Korea has criticized the UNC, calling it an “illegal war organization.” They think Germany’s joining is making things more tense in the region.