US Nominee Warns of North Korea’s Nuclear Threat

The nominee for the new commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, Brunson, has expressed concerns that North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, may use nuclear weapons to deter the US or other member states of the United Nations Command from intervening in the conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

According to a written response submitted to the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Brunson stated that “securing military power and deterrence that can guarantee the survival of the regime is likely to be a continuing strategic priority for Chairman Kim Jong Un.” This statement highlights the importance of military power in North Korea’s strategy.

Brunson also warned that North Korea is working to perfect an intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a nuclear warhead, which poses a significant threat to the United States and UN member states.

Regarding the size of the US Forces Korea (USFK), Brunson emphasized that a minimum of 28,500 personnel is essential for the continuation of the USFK. Additionally, he noted that the declining birth rate in Korea will affect the size of the Korean troop force for the next 20 years.