North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared his country’s nuclear-armed status “will never change,” calling it irreversible during a speech to the Supreme People’s Assembly on March 23, 2026. He formally designated South Korea as the “most hostile nation,” promising a “merciless response” to any provocations.
Key Statements
Kim pledged to advance North Korea’s “defensive nuclear deterrence” with “prompt and precise” capabilities against strategic threats. He emphasized crushing provocations by hostile forces while solidifying nuclear statehood through aggressive campaigns.
Regional Tensions
The remarks follow Kim’s reappointment to the State Affairs Commission, with lawmakers approving a 2026 budget allocating 15.8% to defense. Pyongyang vows to ignore Seoul entirely, ruling out dialogue amid ongoing military escalations.
Global Context
This hardline stance aligns with prior threats of “complete destruction” if security is threatened, including expanded ICBMs and tactical nukes. The US and allies monitor closely as Kim rejects negotiations without policy shifts.
