Kim Jong Un Doubles Down on Nuclear Ambitions, Designates South Korea as ‘Most Hostile’

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his commitment to building a permanent nuclear arsenal and has sharply escalated rhetoric against South Korea, designating it as the country’s “most hostile state.” The declarations came during a speech to the Supreme People’s Assembly in Pyongyang on Monday, March 23, 2026, as reported by state media according to the Associated Press.

Irreversible Nuclear Status

Kim pledged to “irreversibly” cement North Korea’s status as a nuclear power, stating that the pursuit of nuclear weapons is “entirely justified” to ensure the country’s survival. He emphasized the necessitate for “precise readiness” of nuclear forces to counter perceived “strategic threats” as reported by Deutsche Welle. This commitment aligns with statements made at last month’s ruling Workers’ Party Congress.

Escalating Hostility Towards South Korea

Kim’s speech included particularly strong condemnation of South Korea, which he labeled the “most hostile state.” He vowed to deal with Seoul by “thoroughly rejecting and disregarding it,” and threatened “merciless” retaliation for any perceived infringement on North Korean sovereignty as detailed by NBC News.

This hardline stance comes despite repeated overtures from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who has sought dialogue without preconditions since taking office in June. Pyongyang has so far ignored these gestures.

Economic Goals and Five-Year Plan

Beyond defense policy, Kim outlined economic objectives, aiming to increase industrial output by 1.5 times over the next five-year plan. He claimed “clear progress” in economic growth over the past five years, citing renovations of key machine factories despite “various difficulties and deviations.” He asserted that these achievements disprove claims that economic prosperity is contingent on nuclear disarmament according to Reuters.

US Relations and Global Context

Kim accused the United States of “global terrorism and aggression,” referencing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While he did not directly name U.S. President Donald Trump, he indicated that North Korea is prepared to respond to any choice made by its adversaries – whether confrontation or peaceful coexistence. He framed the US-Israel war with Iran as evidence that force overrides international norms.

Legislative Developments

The Supreme People’s Assembly concluded a two-day session on Monday, passing a revised constitution. Details of the changes were not immediately specified, but there had been expectations that the revisions would formally designate South Korea as a permanent enemy and remove references to shared nationhood.