PYONGYANG — North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Monday formally labeled South Korea as the “most hostile state” and warned of “merciless” consequences if Seoul provokes Pyongyang, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
Speaking on the second day of the first session of the newly elected 15th Supreme People’s Assembly, Kim reiterated that North Korea’s status as a nuclear weapons state is permanent. He emphasized that the country is prepared to respond to any actions, whether peaceful or confrontational, from its adversaries.
Kim accused the United States of global “terrorism and invasions,” apparently alluding to its ongoing conflict with Iran, though he did not directly name President Donald Trump. He vowed to maintain a “prompt and precise” nuclear posture to counter strategic threats and continue strengthening North Korea’s nuclear deterrence.
The assembly also discussed a revision of North Korea’s constitution, reflecting the leadership’s “necessary demands of national development,” though details were scarce. Analysts note that the constitution previously called for peaceful reunification with South Korea, a provision North Korea appears to be moving away from after Kim ordered a legal revision in 2024 defining Seoul as the “No. 1 hostile country.”
Kim concluded that North Korea will persist in solidifying its nuclear status while aggressively responding to any perceived provocations, underscoring the regime’s hardline stance on security and regional influence.