Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un of North Korea has declared that the nuclear-capable North could entirely obliterate its South Korean counterpart if faced with a threat, as reported by North Korean state media. During a broadcast of a rare congress of the Workers’ Party Central Committee, Kim also stated his refusal to engage with South Korean counterparts while leaving the possibility of dialogue open with the United States.
Kim’s remarks coincided with the conclusion of the ruling party congress, which was broadcast by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), where Kim outlined his policy objectives for the upcoming five years.
In recent times, the North Korean leader has intensified his rhetoric towards Seoul and emphasized his rejection of inter-Korean diplomacy. Analysts suggest that this shift does not necessarily indicate an imminent military confrontation but rather serves to bolster Kim’s regional influence through his nuclear capabilities and alliances with Moscow and Beijing.
Kim also called for the development of new weapons systems to strengthen North Korea’s nuclear-armed military, including intercontinental ballistic missiles deployable from underwater and an expanded arsenal of tactical nuclear weapons targeting South Korea. South Korea’s Unification Ministry expressed regret over North Korea’s continuous hostile stance towards inter-Korean relations, affirming Seoul’s commitment to pursuing peaceful initiatives.
The Workers’ Party congress, which recently concluded in Pyongyang, is considered North Korea’s most significant political gathering. As the congress wrapped up, a military parade was held in the capital, during which Kim Jong-un, accompanied by his increasingly prominent daughter Kim Ju-ae Ae, asserted the military’s readiness to retaliate against any hostile threats.
Kim’s statements at the congress were highly anticipated, reflecting his escalating anti-South Korea stance since 2024. Despite his strong rhetoric towards Seoul, analysts anticipate a more measured approach towards Washington to potentially pave the way for future dialogue and seek relief from U.S. sanctions.
North Korea has consistently rebuffed calls from Washington and Seoul to resume diplomatic talks aimed at denuclearization following the breakdown of Kim’s second summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019.
Kim highlighted that the future of U.S.-North Korea relations hinges on the U.S. approach, indicating readiness for either peaceful coexistence or prolonged confrontation. His disparagement of South Korea underscores his belief that Seoul is no longer a helpful intermediary with Washington but an impediment to his regional ambitions.
Furthermore, Kim has been actively countering South Korean cultural influence within North Korea to maintain his family’s authoritarian rule. He dismissed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s engagement proposals as deceptive, accusing successive South Korean governments of seeking the North’s demise.
Tensions could escalate further with South Korea’s upcoming joint military exercises with the United States, which North Korea often perceives as invasion preparations. Over the years, North Korea has made significant advancements in its military capabilities, aligning with Kim’s strategic objectives outlined at the previous congress in 2021.
At the latest congress, Kim laid out new objectives to enhance North Korea’s nuclear capabilities over the next five years, emphasizing the production of nuclear warheads and diverse delivery systems. Additionally, he called for the development of advanced military technologies, including AI-equipped attack drones, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, and measures to counter enemy satellites.
By continuously enhancing its military capabilities and fortifying its borders, North Korea under Kim’s leadership aims to solidify its position in the region.
