The Kim dynasty and North Korea's nuclear weapons | DW Documentary
DW Documentary・19 minutes read
North Korea's military parade in April 2022 showcased their capability to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads, sending a strong message to the US. Despite failed negotiations and sanctions, Kim Jong-un remains committed to developing North Korea's nuclear arsenal for power and economic stability.
Insights
- Kim Jong-un's aggressive stance on North Korea's nuclear program, highlighted by the presentation of the Wong 17 intercontinental ballistic missile with nuclear warheads, sends a global warning to adversaries, especially the US.
- The history of North Korea's nuclear program, dating back to Kim Il-sung's initiation in the 1950s and subsequent support from China and the Soviet Union, underscores the nation's persistent pursuit of nuclear capabilities despite international agreements and sanctions.
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Recent questions
What event occurred during the April 2022 military parade in North Korea?
Kim Jong-un presented Wong 17 intercontinental ballistic missile with nuclear warheads.
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Summary
00:00
North Korea's Nuclear Program: A Timeline
- April 2022: Military parade celebrates 9th anniversary of North Korean People's Army
- Kim Jong-un presents Wong 17 intercontinental ballistic missile with nuclear warheads
- North Korea's capability to attack globally sends a clear warning to the US and enemies
- Annual gathering in Pyongyang on January 1st commemorates deceased presidents Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong Il
- Kim Jong-un's speech on January 1st, 2018, declares North Korea as a nuclear power
- Kim Il-sung initiated North Korea's nuclear program in the 1950s
- Korean War began in 1950 under Kim Il-sung's leadership
- North Korea's nuclear program started in the 1960s or 1970s, with support from China and the Soviet Union
- International Atomic Energy Agency inspects North Korea's nuclear program in 1992
- North Korea signs an agreement in 1994 to use nuclear program solely for energy production, but secretly continues developing nuclear weapons with Pakistan's help
28:26
"North Korea's Nuclear Disarmament Deadline Uncertain"
- The signed agreement from the Summit in Hanoi did not set a deadline for North Korea's nuclear disarmament, with details to be determined at a later meeting in 2019.
- Kim Jong-un proposed a one-sided deal to close down the Yongbyon facility in exchange for the removal of all US sanctions, which was rejected by the Trump Administration.
- North Korea sealed itself off again behind the demilitarized zone after the failed Summit, with thousands of missiles aimed at Seoul, just 30 km away.
- South Korea vacillated between close ties with the US for defense and dialogue with North Korea, facing the threat of a nuclear domino effect in Northeast Asia.
- Kim Jong-un continues his nuclear program and propaganda, investing heavily in the nuclear arsenal to maintain power and economic stability, despite international sanctions.
