North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that his country could 'completely destroy' South Korea if its security were threatened, reiterating his refusal to engage with Seoul. Speaking at the conclusion of a ruling party congress where he was re-elected as general secretary, Kim outlined plans to strengthen the nation’s military capabilities over the next five years.

State media reported that Kim called for the development of new weapons systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of being launched from underwater and an expanded arsenal of tactical nuclear weapons aimed at South Korea. He said the rapid progress of the country’s nuclear and missile programs had permanently established North Korea as a nuclear weapons state.

While maintaining a confrontational stance toward South Korea, Kim signaled that dialogue with Washington remains possible if the United States abandons what he described as hostile policies. His remarks follow a series of recent weapons tests, including hypersonic missile launches and a long-range cruise missile drill, as well as claims of progress on a nuclear-powered submarine.