North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned that his nuclear-armed country could “completely destroy” South Korea if its security were threatened, while leaving the door open for dialogue with the United States under certain conditions.

Hardline Warning to South Korea

During a ruling party congress in Pyongyang, Kim:

Declared South Korea a permanent enemy
Warned of total destruction if North Korea’s security is threatened
Reaffirmed refusal to engage with Seoul

The remarks continue his hardened stance since 2024, when he formally abandoned the goal of peaceful reunification.

Expansion of Nuclear & Missile Capabilities

According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim called for:

Underwater-launch intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)
Expanded tactical nuclear weapons
Nuclear-capable artillery and short-range missiles targeting South Korea

He said rapid weapons development has “permanently cemented” North Korea’s status as a nuclear weapons state.

Conditional Openness to the U.S.

Despite his warning to Seoul, Kim signaled conditional willingness to engage with Washington:

Demanded the U.S. abandon what he calls “hostile policies”
Reiterated rejection of denuclearization as a precondition for talks
Said future relations depend entirely on U.S. attitude

Diplomacy between Pyongyang and Washington stalled after the collapse of Kim’s 2019 summit with Donald Trump.

Growing Alignment With Russia

Kim has strengthened ties with Moscow, reportedly:

Sending troops and military equipment
Seeking potential aid and advanced technology

This alignment has deepened tensions with both Washington and Seoul.

Strategic Context

The congress — previously held in 2016 and 2021 — outlines North Korea’s five-year policy direction.

Kim appears to be:

Hardening his stance toward South Korea
Maintaining leverage through nuclear expansion
Keeping diplomatic options open with the U.S.

Key Entities

Kim Jong Un – Leader of North Korea issuing nuclear warning
Korean Central News Agency – Official state media reporting remarks
Donald Trump – Former U.S. President linked to collapsed 2019 summit

Final Verdict

Kim Jong Un’s latest remarks reinforce North Korea’s aggressive posture toward South Korea while preserving a narrow diplomatic opening with the United States. By expanding nuclear capabilities and tightening ties with Russia, Pyongyang seeks strategic leverage — signaling readiness for either confrontation or conditional dialogue depending on Washington’s approach.