In late February 2004, the second round of the Six-Party Talks on North Korea's nuclear issue was held in Beijing, China. North Korea emphasized a peaceful resolution to the nuclear issue.
[Interview: Kim Kye-gwan, North Korean Representative at the Six-Party Talks (February 2004)]
"The resumption of this Six-Party Talks demonstrates each nation's commitment to peacefully resolving the nuclear issue."
After the talks, the six participating nations agreed on a document supporting the "peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."
[Interview: Wang Yi, Chinese Representative at the Six-Party Talks (February 2004)]
"The significance of these talks is that they mark the beginning of substantial discussions on North Korea's nuclear issue and have agreed to address it through coordinated procedures, issuing a formal statement."
One month later, a presumed handwritten directive by Kim Jong-il was issued to the Second Academy of Natural Sciences under the State Security Department.
Kim Jong-il stated, "Research should continue to enhance missile performance," and added, "We are still insufficient in restraining the U.S. and Japan." He emphasized, "If war breaks out, South Korea is not a concern. We must fully prepare to eliminate U.S. military bases in Japan and the U.S. Pacific Fleet in a single strike."
Additionally, he noted the need "to develop more powerful and new warheads in preparation for the worst-case scenario."
[Interview: Dr. Jeong Joon-hee, Former Director of Analysis, Ministry of Unification]
"Kim Jong-il's directives have already been partially realized. In 2015, the threat to surround Guam was announced… His words became a reality ten years later, with continuous development and testing of intermediate-range missiles targeting Japan, evidencing a credible threat."
The secret directive, believed to have been written on October 12, 2005, came roughly a month after the adoption of the September 19 Joint Statement, in which North Korea pledged to abandon its nuclear program.
"Neighboring countries, including China, are advancing, but only North Korea lags behind. The South Korean military is at a high level and cannot be ignored."
"The missiles produced at Plant 92 are better. We must focus on modernizing ground-to-ground missiles and expand the development and production of multipurpose submarines; this is absolutely necessary."
Following Kim Jong-il's orders, North Korea has continued to develop ground-to-ground missiles and multipurpose submarines.
Plant 92, known for producing nuclear warheads and missiles, is also reportedly visited secretly by Kim Jong-un.
Development of Nuclear Weapons Targeting Not Only South Korea but Also the U.S. and Japan
YTN's YouTube series North Korea Exploration provides an in-depth look at North Korea's true intentions behind the "Six-Party Talks show" aimed at achieving this goal.
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