North Korea’s “rapid advancement” of its nuclear and missile capabilities and its declared goal to “exponentially” expand its nuclear arsenal is the most pressing challenge facing U.S. forces on the Korean Peninsula, according to the nominee for the commander of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).

Speaking at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday,  Lt. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson stressed the urgency of the threat posed by the DPRK and vowed to uphold military readiness in response to Pyongyang’s evolving provocations.

“I am aware of the threats South Korea faces and fully understand my role, if