White House

SEOUL (AP) — A high-ranking North Korean defector says North Korea has nuclear and chemical weapons capable of “scorching” South Korea and Japan, South Korea’s intelligence agency revealed Tuesday.

Hwang Jang Yop’s reported disclosure is the most credible testimony so far that North Korea has developed tactical nuclear weapons. The isolated Communist nation has denied having a nuclear weapons program.

One of twelve members of the North’s highest decision-making body, Hwang is the top North Korean official ever to defect. When he arrived in Seoul on Sunday, Hwang said he fled to warn the world that North Korea’s 1.2 million-member military is preparing to unleash a suicidal war.