Kim Jong Un Asserts North Korea Can Coexist with US If Nuclear Rights Are Acknowledged

Kim Jong Un has expressed that North Korea is capable of establishing a positive relationship with the United States, provided that Washington acknowledges the permanence of the country's nuclear weapons.

Addressing the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang, Kim urged the US to respect North Korea's nuclear stance as enshrined in its constitution. He stated, "If Washington withdraws its hostile policy, there is no reason why we cannot get along well with the United States," as reported by the state news agency KCNA.

Kim cautioned that the nature of US-North Korea relations hinges entirely on the attitude of the US. He remarked, “The choice between peaceful coexistence and ongoing confrontation rests entirely on the US, and we are prepared for either scenario.”

During the congress, Kim referred to South Korea as the North's “most hostile entity,” insisting that the South should allow the North to exist without interference. Analysts interpret this as an indication of Kim's intention to pursue direct negotiations with the US, bypassing South Korea.

He reaffirmed his focus on enhancing North Korea's nuclear capabilities, stating, “We will prioritize initiatives aimed at increasing our nuclear arsenal and expanding our nuclear operational capabilities.” Despite ongoing international sanctions, North Korea has continued to launch banned intercontinental missiles. KCNA highlighted that, under Kim’s rule, the nation has substantially enhanced its “war deterrence,” with nuclear capabilities at its core.

Independent assessments from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute suggest that North Korea currently has around 50 nuclear warheads, with enough fissile material to potentially produce 40 more. In November 2024, Kim called for an “unlimited” expansion of the country’s nuclear capabilities.

These comments follow US President Donald Trump's recent global security strategy, which notably excludes discussions on denuclearization of North Korea, leading to speculation about the possibility of new conversations between Trump and Kim, with their last meeting occurring in 2019. Kim has maintained that denuclearization is not an option: “We have become a nuclear state. Expecting us to denuclearize is futile.”

Images from the conclusion of the party congress featured Kim’s teenage daughter, Ju Ae, who was seen alongside him in matching black leather attire at a military exhibition. Recent reports from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service indicate that Kim has chosen Ju Ae, who is around 13 years old, as his successor, and her participation in state affairs is being closely monitored.

Kim concluded with a call for realism, stating, “If the United States abandons its ridiculous quest for the denuclearization of others and recognizes the reality, then true peaceful coexistence can be attained.”