US EditionKim vows to ‘irreversibly’ cement North Korea’s nuclear status, calls South ‘most hostile’
Kim Jong-un confirmed North Korea's nuclear status as permanent and increased defense budget to 15.8% for nuclear deterrence, calling South Korea the most hostile state.
- On Tuesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un formally designated South Korea the "most hostile state" during a policy speech at parliament, warning of "merciless" consequences for any provocation against the Republic.
- Kim's designation reflects his hardening stance toward Seoul, following his 2024 abandonment of decades-old reunification policy to redefine relations with the South as inherently hostile between two enemy states.
- Kim vowed to "further expand and advance our self-defensive nuclear deterrent" with "precise readiness" to counter "strategic threats," calling expansion "entirely justified." Pyongyang will "make it pay mercilessly" for any infringement on the Republic.
- Lawmakers approved a 2026 state budget raising defense spending to 15.8% of total expenditure for nuclear deterrence and war-fighting capabilities, while the assembly adopted constitutional amendments and endorsed a five-year economic plan.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin sent congratulations pledging deeper strategic partnership with Pyongyang, while Kim criticized U.S. military actions globally, positioning North Korea's nuclear status as irreversible amid widening regional tensions.
59 Articles
59 Articles
Kim vows to ’irreversibly’ cement North Korea’s nuclear status, calls South ’most hostile’
Analysts say Mr. Kim’s vilification of South Korea reflects his view that Seoul, which helped arrange his first meetings with Trump in 2018 and 2019, is no longer a useful intermediary with Washington but an obstacle to his push for a more assertive regional role
Daily Journal
N. Korea's Kim vows 'irreversible' nuclear status, warns Seoul of 'merciless' response
North Korea will never give up nuclear weapons, leader Kim Jong Un said, indicating that the country will soon designate South Korea the "most hostile state", state media reported Tuesday.
Kim Jong-un says North Korea’s nuclear status is irreversible, threatens South
SEOUL, South Korea – North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said his country would permanently strengthen its nuclear forces and treat South Korea as its most hostile state, as he set out policy priorities in a speech to parliament, state media KCNA reported on Tuesday, March 24. Kim said Pyongyang’s status as a nuclear-armed state was irreversible and that expanding a “self-defensive nuclear deterrent” was essential to national security, regional stab…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
