North Korea has issued a dark forecast for Asia: a “nuclear domino” effect triggered by South Korea. On Tuesday, state media condemned a new submarine deal between Seoul and Washington, describing it as a “dangerous attempt at confrontation.” This prediction casts a long shadow over the region’s future.
The deal was finalized last week by President Lee Jae Myung. It allows South Korea to expand its authority over uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing. North Korea views this as the first tile in a falling domino chain, predicting it will spark a “hot arms race.”
This forecast comes at a time when Seoul is trying to build a brighter future. Just one day prior, the government proposed military talks to prevent border clashes, the first offer in seven years. President Lee has championed a policy of engagement, but the North’s prediction suggests they see only darkness ahead.
The “nuclear domino” metaphor implies that the situation is beyond control. North Korea is arguing that the South’s actions have set irreversible forces in motion. This narrative serves to heighten regional anxiety.
North Korea has not yet responded to the proposal for talks. The focus on the domino prediction suggests that the North is preparing for the worst. The region faces a gloomy outlook.