On September 15, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) responded to the constant pressure towards nuclear disarmament from the international community. Countries and organizations such as the United States, the United Nations, and the European Union have constantly advocated for North Korea’s disarmament of nuclear weapons ever since their preliminary efforts of nuclear research began in the 1980s. Despite the International Atomic Energy Agency and the UN’s numerous resolutions that encourage the abolishment of the weapons, North Korea has displayed no intentions of backing off. North Korea justified its possession of nuclear weapons by stating that they are solely for self-defense against any foreign threat. Through its central news agency, North Korea warned that if the U.S. or others nations continue to “act mischievously,” then it is ready to deal with them by launching their weapons. North Korea revealed that the constant push towards disarmament felt like a threat to Kim Jong Un’s regime. North Korea also boasted that its main nuclear complex is fully operational. A report by the UN revealed that the North Korean nuclear arsenal is expanding, with an estimate of 15-20 missiles. Although it is unclear if the missiles have the capacity to reach mainland U.S., it definitely is a threat to South Korea and other nations close by.

While, DPRK’s threats are often ridiculed by social media and Hollywood in modern society, as global citizens of the 21st century, we should definitely not take this country lightly. North Korea is a nation with a history of little compliance with international law and has shown to be very hostile towards nations that disagree with its policies. Although the DPRK has never launched its missiles and has only made threats, the possibility of nuclear war is real and can occur within a short period of time. The moral, environmental, and economic consequences are unimaginable if a war were to breakout and therefore, such consequences must be avoided with all cost. Our job is to be knowledgeable and spread awareness regarding this issue, and come up with potential solutions that can bring a peaceful resolution to this complex political problem.