I'm gonna trust the South Korean government over your friends.
It's more than just words when the North casts an air strike against a South Korean island like they did several days ago.
Besides, even if it's just words, I'm just relaying the message.
The South says if the North keeps provoking them, they will attack back.
The seriousness is enough for the United States to send troops to go through drills with the South Korean army.
North Korea says if they continue with their drills, they will attack the South.
Also, I also doubt it'll spark the third world war, I think it'll stay in the pacific.
But if the North actually holds water, it's likely the US will ask Britain to join in, thus possibly making the war drag into China since Britain has to fly OVER China to get to Korea.