N. Korean leader inspects major weapons factories: state media
Korea HeraldAug 08, 2023
Kim Jong Un Fires Top General, Orders Military to Prepare for War
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Image copyright: Wikimedia Commons
The Facts
Kim Jong Un carried out a shake-up of North Korea's military leadership on Wednesday during a meeting of the Central Military Commission, in which making full war preparations was the top agenda item, state-run KCNA reported on Thursday.
After serving as the army chief of staff for some seven months, Gen. Pak Su Il was replaced by former defense minister Gen. Ri Yong Gil, who had also previously served as Chief of the General Staff.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
As some rogue states seek to undermine peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and surroundings, Pyongyang has no other option than to make full war preparations to contain its enemies in advance and neutralize attacks if a conflict breaks out. Only a strong and ready military can deter hostile forces from engaging in confrontation with North Korea.
Pro-establishment narrative
The US and South Korea are working together to combat the rising threat North Korea poses. Due to the current stakes, these two allies are joining for yet another set of large-scale military exercises. Kim Jong Un is on the precipice of starting a nuclear war and his threats cannot be dismissed. The US military must defend its allies and the rules-based international order, and prevent a nuclear attack at all costs.
