DPRK leader Kim Jong Un delivered a televised New Year's Day speech stating the United States will never be able to start a war against his country as it now has the capability to strike all of the US mainland with its nuclear weapons. Kim also said it is imperative to decrease tensions on the Korean Peninsula and improve ties with rival South Korea. He added he'll consider sending a delegation to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea in February. Zhao Yunfei has the story.

"The entire United States is within range of our nuclear weapons, and a nuclear button is always on my desk." This was part of the New Year's speech delivered by DPRK leader Kim Jong Un. A little different from other warm New Year's greetings. His bold words once again drawing world attention on Pyongyang's nuclear threats and soaring tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

KIM JONG UN DPRK LEADER "This year we should focus on mass producing nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles for operational deployment. At the same time, the strategic system has been established."

Through 2017, the DPRK launched 17 missiles, each one more powerful than the last. On November 29th, the launch of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile, was a breakthrough for Pyongyang that put the US mainland within range. And US patience is fading fast.

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "North Korea best not make anymore threats to the United States. They will be met with fire and fury, like the world has never seen."

It's not only the US that's angry, the whole world is outraged and wary of the increased nuclear threat. The United Nations imposed three rounds of sanctions on the DPRK last year, and the latest round Resolution 2397 passed in December, was the toughest one yet. It entails a ban on coal, ore and other raw materials and limits investment in the DPRK.

But there appears to be hope. In his speech, Kim also expressed his willingness to ease tensions with South Korea through dialogue. And he believes that the 2018 Winter Olympics to be held in South Korea will be a good opportunity to do so. From the possibility of peace to more nuclear activity, it still leaves a big question mark on what the future holds for the Korean Peninsula in 2018.