Kim said Pyongyang's status as a nuclear-armed state ‌was irreversible and expanding a "self-defensive nuclear deterrent" was essential to national security, regional stability and economic development. He rejected the idea that nuclear disarmament could be exchanged for economic benefits or security guarantees, saying North Korea had already proven that maintaining nuclear forces while pursuing development was the correct strategic choice. Analysts in South Korea said the comments amounted to an indirect critique of U.S. military action against Iran. SOUTH KOREA ​DESIGNATED MOST HOSTILE STATEKim said South Korea had been "recognised as the most hostile state" and warned Seoul that any attempt to infringe on North Korea's sovereignty would be met "mercilessly without hesitation or restraint". Lim Eul-chul of Kyungnam University said the language "effectively strips South Korea of any remaining status as a compatriot nation", and goes beyond past rhetoric aimed at isolating Seoul diplomatically.

Source: The Star March 24, 2026 06:45 UTC