Important to note:
“The entire United States is within range of our nuclear weapons, a nuclear button is always on my desk. This is reality, not a threat,” Kim said in the annual address. “This year, we should focus on mass-producing nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles for operational deployment. These weapons will be used only if our society is threatened.”
But in a move that could ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Kim proposed immediate talks with Seoul over North Korea taking part in the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
“North Korea’s participation in the Winter Games will be a good opportunity to show unity of the people, and we wish the games will be a success,” Kim said.
Seoul responded warmly and welcomed the prospect of talks. A spokesman for South Korea’s presidential office said it has been open to the idea as long as talks are related to improving inter-Korean ties and building peace.
Moderately annoyed with how Kim’s “nuclear button” comment has been reported. It was difficult to find an article that included his qualifier of the weapons only being used if his regime is threatened, and I think that it’s a very important detail.