Kim Jong Un Rules Out Talks With South Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has firmly dismissed the prospect of renewed dialogue with South Korea, warning that his military could “completely destroy” the South if provoked. At the same time, he signaled that future engagement with the United States would depend on Washington abandoning what he described as its “hostile” stance toward Pyongyang.

Speaking as the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea concluded a major policy meeting, Kim said relations with the U.S. could improve under certain conditions. If Washington “respects our country’s current status as stipulated in the Constitution … and withdraws its hostile policy … there is no reason why we cannot get along well with the United States”, he stated.

According to North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim also pushed for rapid development of new weapons systems to strengthen the country’s nuclear capabilities. He reportedly called for submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles and an expanded stockpile of tactical nuclear arms, including artillery and short-range missiles capable of striking South Korea.

Kim declared that recent advances in nuclear and missile programs have “permanently cemented” North Korea’s position as a nuclear-armed state. “Our status as a nuclear-armed country plays an important role in deterring enemies’ potential threats and maintaining regional stability,” he said, describing the weapons as “a guarantee and safety device” of national security.

The high-profile party congress, held once every five years and attended by thousands of delegates, concluded with a large military parade in Pyongyang’s Kim Il Sung Square. Images released by state media showed troops marching in formation, fighter jets conducting a flyover, and Kim observing the display alongside senior officials and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae. Her appearance once again sparked speculation that she may be positioned for a future leadership role.

The remarks underscore Pyongyang’s hardened stance toward Seoul while leaving open a conditional path for engagement with Washington, amid continued regional tensions over North Korea’s expanding military capabilities.