Overview
- Kim Jong-un said prospects with Washington depend on the U.S. dropping what Pyongyang calls a hostile policy, stating there is no reason they cannot get along if the U.S. respects the North’s current status.
- He ruled out talks with South Korea, labeled Seoul the most hostile enemy, vowed to exclude it permanently from the category of compatriots and warned that the South’s complete collapse cannot be ruled out.
- Wrapping up the ninth Workers’ Party congress, Kim unveiled a five-year plan to increase nuclear warheads and operational means, including work on underwater-launched ICBMs, AI-enabled drones, satellites and stronger naval nuclear capabilities.
- A nighttime parade in Pyongyang marked the close of the congress, where Kim threatened terrible retaliatory attacks against any hostile military act; state media photos did not show key ICBMs, and KCNA said formations included units tied to overseas operations supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- Seoul said it is closely coordinating with U.S. agencies as its nuclear envoy consults in Washington, with Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha noting reports of President Trump’s late-March to early-April China trip and keeping all possibilities in mind for possible U.S.–North Korea contact.