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Kerry Blasts N. Korea for Nuclear Threat

Reassures U.S. security in Seoul.

Secretary of State John Kerry lambasted North Korea on Monday for its “horrific conduct” and “flagrant disregard for international law,” while reaffirming the U.S.’s security commitment to South Korea. Kerry accused Pyongyang of developing its nuclear program with “reckless abandon” and raised concern over reports of atrocities, including last week’s allegation that Kim Jong Un ordered the execution of his defense chief. Kerry also blasted the Hermit Kingdom for refusing to participate in nuclear talks. The U.S. attempted to privately meet with Pyongyang over resuming denuclearization in January, but both nations failed to agree on where and who could meet to talk. Kerry is expected to speak on cybersecurity, which is a major threat from both North Korea and China, this week in Seoul.