South Korea president warns Kim Jong-un that nuclear ICBM would be 'crossing a red line'

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has warned the North Korean regime that mounting a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) would be "crossing a red line". He added that Seoul is even mulling sending a special envoy to Pyongyang in an attempt to restart diplomacy with the reclusive nation.

Moon made a televised address to his nation on Thursday, 17 August, to mark 100 days in office amid serious geopolitical tensions in the Korean peninsula. His address was preceded by a heated war of words between the US and North Korea with both sides constantly stepping up their threats.

"I would consider that North Korea is crossing a red line if it launches an intercontinental ballistic missile again and weaponises it by putting a nuclear warhead on top of the missile," the South Korean leader said. Though he did not elaborate on what the consequences would be if the North crosses the "red line" he repeatedly warned the country against the move.

In the midst of growing threats from the US including considering military action against North Korea if the situation spiralled out of control, Moon said Trump would not carry out an intervention without his consent.

"I say this with confidence that there will be no war on the Korean Peninsula ever again. However, I am saying any military action to be taken on the Korean Peninsula requires South Korea's consent unless it is taken outside the peninsula. Also, even if the United States takes military action outside the peninsula, I am confident it will sufficiently consult with South Korea in advance if such action may increase tension between the South and the North," continued Moon.

In another fresh initiative, the South Korean president has also revealed that his government is willing to send a special representative to the northern neighbour if that step would help in easing the situation in the region.

"A dialogue between South and North Korea must resume. But we don't need to be impatient. I think lots of effort and time could be necessary to overcome a decade of severed ties and to reopen a dialogue," said Moon.