North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Issues Strong Warning to South Korea
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated on Thursday that his country has the capability to “completely destroy” South Korea if it feels threatened. This marked a significant increase in aggressive rhetoric as Kim ruled out any possibility of renewed talks.
During the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party held in Pyongyang, Kim described South Korea as “the most hostile enemy.” He criticized the current South Korean government’s supposedly conciliatory approach as “deceptive and crude,” according to the official state media, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Kim insisted that North Korea could take “arbitrary action” in response to any “obnoxious behavior” from South Korea, downplaying Seoul’s recent diplomatic efforts aimed at improving relations. He ominously warned that a “complete collapse” of South Korea is possible.
At the congress, Kim also laid out ambitious plans to expand North Korea’s nuclear weapons arsenal. It is estimated that the country possesses about 50 nuclear warheads, with enough material to create approximately 40 more. Kim emphasized the need to further develop North Korea’s status as a nuclear state, aiming to enhance the number of weapons and their operational capabilities.
Kim outlined intentions to produce more advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles and develop underwater launch systems, as well as utilize artificial intelligence for weapons and drones.
In a statement that may suggest openness to future negotiations with the United States, Kim emphasized that the choice between peaceful coexistence and ongoing confrontation is not in North Korea’s hands. He said that if the U.S. shifts away from its confrontational policy and recognizes North Korea’s status, then better relations could be possible.
Following the congress, Kim’s daughter, Ju Ae, was seen at a military parade. Recently, South Korean media reported that she was appointed to a leadership role within the regime’s influential Missile Administration, which oversees North Korea’s nuclear forces.
Kim’s remarks and actions highlight ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, as North Korea continues to assert its military strength while navigating international relations.
