On Tuesday, South Korea revealed its most powerful Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile during a large-scale Armed Forces Day ceremony, warning that any use of nuclear weapons by North Korea would result in the regime's collapse. President Yoon Suk Yeol, addressing thousands of troops near Seoul, declared, “If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the South Korea-U.S. alliance. That day will be the end of the North Korean regime.”

The ceremony showcased around 340 military assets, including advanced fighter jets and a long-range B-1B bomber from the U.S., underscoring the South's deterrence capabilities. The Hyunmoo-5, capable of carrying an 8-ton warhead and destroying underground bunkers, was unveiled publicly for the first time.

This military display comes in the wake of North Korea’s recent escalation, including the disclosure of a uranium-enrichment facility and missile tests aimed at increasing leverage in diplomatic talks with the U.S. Experts believe that North Korea may intensify provocations ahead of the upcoming U.S. election to gain concessions, such as sanctions relief.

President Yoon has bolstered South Korea’s military alliance with the U.S., while also strengthening trilateral security cooperation with Japan. South Korea also launched a strategic command aimed at integrating its conventional forces with U.S. nuclear capabilities, though South Korea does not possess nuclear weapons.

In response, North Korean Vice Defense Minister Kim Kang Il criticized recent U.S. military actions, including a B-1B flyover, and vowed to strengthen North Korea's "war deterrent." Observers suggest that North Korea may consider test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

Tensions remain high as both Koreas ramp up military posturing, with South Korea demonstrating its defense capabilities and North Korea signaling its intent to stoke further regional instability.