In a stark escalation of regional tensions, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared his nuclear-armed nation possesses the capability to “completely destroy” South Korea if its security is threatened, according to state media reports Thursday. The threats emerged as Kim concluded a pivotal Workers’ Party congress that outlined his military and diplomatic objectives for the coming five-year period.
While adopting an uncompromising stance toward Seoul, which he characterized as a “permanent enemy state,” Kim notably left diplomatic channels with Washington conditionally open. He asserted that improved relations with the United States would require the abandonment of what he perceives as “hostile policies” toward Pyongyang, including sanctions and pressure campaigns targeting North Korea’s nuclear program.
The military parade concluding the congress showcased Kim’s commitment to advancing his weapons systems, though state media did not confirm whether intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland were displayed. Kim specifically called for developing innovative armaments including submarine-launched ICBMs, expanded tactical nuclear arsenals targeting South Korea, artificial intelligence-equipped attack drones, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.
Analysts interpret Kim’s simultaneous aggression toward Seoul and conditional openness to Washington as strategic positioning. His increasingly hard-line approach toward South Korea reflects a calculated shift from previous reunification rhetoric, while leaving room for potential negotiations with the United States that could eventually provide sanctions relief and tacit recognition of North Korea’s nuclear status.
This positioning occurs against the backdrop of Pyongyang’s growing alignment with Moscow, including substantial military support for Russia’s operations in Ukraine, which experts suggest may be exchanged for technological assistance and aid. Kim’s remarks emphasize that the future of U.S.-North Korea relations “depends entirely on the U.S. attitude,” stating his readiness for either “peaceful coexistence or permanent confrontation.”