On Thursday, state media reported that North Korea had conducted a simulated "scorched-earth" nuclear strike on targets in South Korea.

This was reportedly in response to perceived plans for a preemptive nuclear attack by the United States due to allied exercises. The North's media detailed their vision of a potential conflict, involving nuclear strikes against the South followed by territorial occupation.

The Korean People's Army (KPA) staged a nuclear strike drill according to their statement, with the simulation targeting key military centers and airfields of South Korea. This action followed North Korea's firing of two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Wednesday, shortly after the U.S. had deployed B-1B bombers for joint air drills with allies.

After North Korea's nighttime missile launch, South Korea's presidential office held a security meeting. This launch came after the country's previous unsuccessful effort to launch its first spy satellite into orbit a week ago.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed concern, stating that these actions jeopardize peace and stability not only in the region but also globally, and he emphasized that such behavior cannot be accepted.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno declared that if North Korean missiles pass over Japanese territory, Japan will take steps to intercept them.

Seoul's ministry responsible for inter-Korean matters issued a statement, vehemently condemning Kim Jong Un for explicitly disclosing his intentions to launch a military attack. This revelation was framed as a manipulation of the annual defensive South Korea-U.S. joint drills as a pretext.

Kim Jong Un has been actively pushing his military to enhance their state of readiness for potential conflict. He has criticized leaders of the United States, South Korea, and Japan, labeling them as "gang bosses" who are heightening the probability of a nuclear war in the region.

Japan's defense ministry provided details about the recent missile launches. The initial missile reached an altitude of 50 km (31 miles) and traveled 350 km, while the second missile climbed to the same altitude and covered a distance of 400 km. The ongoing situation continues to raise concerns and prompt close monitoring by regional countries.