North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently instructed his top military officers to prepare for maximum force against South Korea and the United States if either country initiates a military confrontation. Kim's directive, reported by state media on Monday, comes as tensions rise following Pyongyang's numerous weapons tests over the past year.

During a New Year's Eve meeting with North Korea's commanding officers in Pyongyang, Kim emphasized the need for his military to "annihilate" any enemy provocation, as per the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim's statements echoed previous threats of potential nuclear attacks on Seoul and orders for military buildup to counter a perceived imminent war on the peninsula. He accused the United States of posing various military threats during policy discussions for 2024.

Additionally, Kim declared an end to seeking reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, citing an "uncontrollable crisis" that he attributed to Seoul and Washington's actions.

In response, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged to establish a joint extended deterrence system with the U.S. in the first half of 2024 to counter North Korea's military provocations. Yoon aimed to "fundamentally deter any North Korean nuclear and missile threat" in his New Year's Day address.

Pyongyang's escalation includes satellite launches, declaring itself a nuclear power, and testing advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles. Despite UN resolutions calling for halting nuclear and missile programs, North Korea remains resolute, considering these weapons vital for its survival.

The mounting tension underscores the critical need for global diplomatic efforts to prevent further hostilities on the Korean Peninsula.