North Korea on Sunday (Apr 19) test-fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles, South Korea said. The projectiles were fired into the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, from the Sinpo area of North Korea, Seoul’s military added. The launches come amid a series of weapons tests by Pyongyang in recent weeks, including ballistic missiles, anti-warship cruise missiles and cluster munitions.“Our military detected several short-range ballistic missiles fired into the East Sea from the Sinpo area of North Korea at around 6:10 am (GMT 21:10),” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.“The missiles flew approximately 140 kilometres (86.9 miles), and South Korean and US intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis of their exact specifications,” the statement added.It added that Seoul is maintaining a “firm combined defence posture” with the United States and will “respond overwhelmingly to any provocation”. About 28,000 US troops have been stationed in the South to help defend against threats by the North’s military.South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s office said that it held an emergency security meeting following the missile launches.Analysts have said that the tests suggest Pyongyang’s latest dismissal of efforts by Seoul to repair strained ties between the neighbours.Earlier in April, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw strategic cruise missile tests from a naval warship, highlighting North Korea’s push to strengthen its navy. The tests involved the Choe Hyon, one of two 5,000-ton destroyers launched last year, with two more under construction. Lawmaker Yoo Yong-won said Pyongyang is accelerating naval modernisation, possibly with support from Russia. Reports suggest North Korea is aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine, receiving military technology in return.

North Korea fired multiple short-range missiles into the East Sea, as South Korea holds emergency security meeting amid tensions.

North Korea on Sunday (Apr 19) test-fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles, South Korea said. The projectiles were fired into the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, from the Sinpo area of North Korea, Seoul’s military added. The launches come amid a series of weapons tests by Pyongyang in recent weeks, including ballistic missiles, anti-warship cruise missiles and cluster munitions. “Our military detected several short-range ballistic missiles fired into the East Sea from the Sinpo area of North Korea at around 6:10 am (GMT 21:10),” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. “The missiles flew approximately 140 kilometres (86.9 miles), and South Korean and US intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis of their exact specifications,” the statement added. It added that Seoul is maintaining a “firm combined defence posture” with the United States and will “respond overwhelmingly to any provocation”. About 28,000 US troops have been stationed in the South to help defend against threats by the North’s military. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s office said that it held an emergency security meeting following the missile launches. Analysts have said that the tests suggest Pyongyang’s latest dismissal of efforts by Seoul to repair strained ties between the neighbours. Earlier in April, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw strategic cruise missile tests from a naval warship, highlighting North Korea’s push to strengthen its navy. The tests involved the Choe Hyon, one of two 5,000-ton destroyers launched last year, with two more under construction. Lawmaker Yoo Yong-won said Pyongyang is accelerating naval modernisation, possibly with support from Russia. Reports suggest North Korea is aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine, receiving military technology in return.

North Korea fired multiple short-range missiles into the East Sea, as South Korea holds emergency security meeting amid tensions.

North Korea launches multiple ballistic missiles into sea, Seoul holds emergency security meeting

International Atomic Energy Agency has warned of a “very serious escalation” in nuclear risks as North Korea continues expanding its nuclear weapons capacity. The alert raises fresh global concerns over Pyongyang’s growing arsenal, regional instability in East Asia, and renewed pressure on international diplomacy to curb nuclear proliferation.


IAEA Flags Serious Escalation Over North Korea Nukes

IAEA Warns of Very Serious Escalation, N Korea Expands Nuke Capacity

North Korea on Wednesday (Apr 14) accused Japan of a “grave provocation” after Tokyo criticised Pyongyang’s nuclear programme in its annual diplomatic report. The response came days after Japan’s foreign ministry released its latest diplomatic bluebook, a document that outlines the country’s foreign policy stance. In it, Tokyo reiterated its opposition to North Korea possessing nuclear weapons, a position it has maintained for years. Calling North Korea's recent spate of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM)-class ballistic missile launches "unacceptable", Japan said "this series of actions by North Korea constitutes a grave and imminent threat to Japan's national security and poses a clear and serious challenge to the region and the international community, and are totally unacceptable."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-s-close-to-over-trump-s-stunning-prediction-for-the-iran-war-revealed-1776214629874">'It's close to over': Trump’s stunning prediction for the Iran war REVEALED</a><h2>Pyongyang reacts sharply, accuses Japan of 'sharp provocation'</h2>In a statement carried by state media, an unnamed official from North Korea’s foreign ministry said Japan’s position "encroaches upon the sovereign rights, security interests and development rights of our sacred state.North Korea framed its nuclear programme as a matter of self-defence. The "measures for bolstering up its defence capabilities... belong to the right to self-defence", noted the statement.<h2>North Korea accuses Japan of 'gangster-like logic'</h2>North Korea also dismissed Japan's bluebook as "woven with conventional gangster-like logic and absurdity".North Korea has also made its current position clear in recent months, it does not intend to give up its nuclear arsenal. Officials have described the country’s status as a nuclear power as "irreversible," while vowing to continue to strengthen its capabilities.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-preparing-to-attack-tehran-amid-ceasefire-uss-abraham-lincoln-spotted-just-200km-from-iran-coast-amid-us-blockade-of-hormuz-1776154395122">Trump preparing to attack Tehran during ceasefire? USS Abraham Lincoln spotted just 200km from Iran coast amid US blockade of Hormuz</a><h2>Wider regional concerns</h2>Japan's bluebook also raised concerns over Pyongyang's reported military support to Russia in its war in Ukraine, including the supply of troops and ammunition.&nbsp;At the same time, the report reflected a subtle but notable shift in Tokyo’s language toward China. For the first time in a decade, Japan stopped referring to Beijing as "one of its most important partners," instead calling it simply an "important neighbour." That change comes amid rising tensions over Taiwan.

Why is North Korea accusing Japan of “grave provocation”? After criticism in Tokyo’s policy report, North Korea says its nuclear programme is about self-defence—while Japan calls it a direct threat.

Scroll down to read more.

North Korea on Wednesday (Apr 14) accused Japan of a “grave provocation” after Tokyo criticised Pyongyang’s nuclear programme in its annual diplomatic report. The response came days after Japan’s foreign ministry released its latest diplomatic bluebook, a document that outlines the country’s foreign policy stance. In it, Tokyo reiterated its opposition to North Korea possessing nuclear weapons, a position it has maintained for years. Calling North Korea's recent spate of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM)-class ballistic missile launches "unacceptable", Japan said "this series of actions by North Korea constitutes a grave and imminent threat to Japan's national security and poses a clear and serious challenge to the region and the international community, and are totally unacceptable." Also read | 'It's close to over': Trump’s stunning prediction for the Iran war REVEALED Pyongyang reacts sharply, accuses Japan of 'sharp provocation' In a statement carried by state media, an unnamed official from North Korea’s foreign ministry said Japan’s position "encroaches upon the sovereign rights, security interests and development rights of our sacred state. North Korea framed its nuclear programme as a matter of self-defence. The "measures for bolstering up its defence capabilities... belong to the right to self-defence", noted the statement. North Korea accuses Japan of 'gangster-like logic' North Korea also dismissed Japan's bluebook as "woven with conventional gangster-like logic and absurdity". North Korea has also made its current position clear in recent months, it does not intend to give up its nuclear arsenal. Officials have described the country’s status as a nuclear power as "irreversible," while vowing to continue to strengthen its capabilities. Also read | Trump preparing to attack Tehran during ceasefire? USS Abraham Lincoln spotted just 200km from Iran coast amid US blockade of Hormuz Wider regional concerns Japan's bluebook also raised concerns over Pyongyang's reported military support to Russia in its war in Ukraine, including the supply of troops and ammunition. At the same time, the report reflected a subtle but notable shift in Tokyo’s language toward China. For the first time in a decade, Japan stopped referring to Beijing as "one of its most important partners," instead calling it simply an "important neighbour." That change comes amid rising tensions over Taiwan.

Why is North Korea accusing Japan of “grave provocation”? After criticism in Tokyo’s policy report, North Korea says its nuclear programme is about self-defence—while Japan calls it a direct threat.Scroll down to read more.

North Korea blasts Japan's diplomatic bluebook as 'grave provocation'. Here's why

Japan has confirmed that a suspected ballistic missile launched by North Korea landed just outside its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), raising fresh security concerns in the region. Tokyo said the launch did not cause any reported damage but warned that Pyongyang’s repeated missile tests threaten regional stability.


Japan Says N Korean Missile Landed Just Outside its Exclusive Economic Zone

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have flared up again after North Korea launched two ballistic missiles, with one reportedly flying over 700 km. The move comes shortly after an apology from leader Kim Jong Un, raising fresh questions about Pyongyang’s intentions. South Korea has responded by boosting surveillance and military readiness, urging the North to halt further provocations as regional security concerns intensify.


North Korea Fires 2 Rounds Of Ballistic Missiles, Seoul Strengthens Surveillance & Vigilance

North Korea has fired an unidentified projectile shortly after the leader of South Korea issued an apology over recent tensions, raising fresh concerns about security on the Korean Peninsula. The launch comes amid already fragile inter-Korean relations and renewed global attention on Pyongyang’s military activities.


North Korea Fires Unidentified Projectile After South Korea Leader’s Apology 

A major cybersecurity scare has emerged after hackers linked to North Korea allegedly targeted widely used Axios software, raising fears of a large-scale supply chain attack. According to Google, the breach is believed to be connected to a North Korea-linked group known as UNC1069.


North Korea-Linked Hack Targets Popular Internet Software 'Axios'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen special operations forces training drills, as part of a broader push to strengthen military readiness. According to state media, Kim inspected a special forces training base and stressed the need for intense peacetime training to prepare for modern warfare.

He also reviewed weapons tests, including a high-thrust solid-fuel rocket engine, and inspected a newly developed main battle tank. The developments are part of North Korea’s ongoing efforts to enhance its strategic and conventional military capabilities.

The drills and inspections come amid heightened regional tensions, with Pyongyang continuing to modernise its forces.

North Korea: Kim Jong Un Oversees Special Forces Drills Amid Rising War Preparations | WION

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hailed his country’s strategic military capability as he oversaw a test of a high-thrust, solid-fuel engine for weapons, state media reported on Sunday (Mar 29). The test marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s missile program, particularly its ability to develop weapons reportedly capable of reaching the United States mainland.Korean Central News Agency reported that the test involved an upgraded engine built using advanced composite carbon fibre materials. The engine reportedly achieved a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilotons, an increase from earlier tests, indicating rapid technological progress. Analysts believe such improvements could support efforts to mount multiple warheads on a single missile, enhancing the chances of penetrating missile defence systems. The report did not add where or when the test took place.In a speech at North Korea’s Parliament earlier, Kim pledged to irreversibly cement his country’s status as a nuclear power. He also accused the US of global “state terrorism and aggression.” He was most likely referring to the United States’ military operations in Iran.In recent years, North Korea has accelerated its missile testing program, including launches of solid-fuel ICBMs demonstrating the potential range to reach the US mainland. These weapons are considered more advanced than older liquid-fuel missiles because they can be deployed more quickly and are harder to detect before launch, increasing their survivability in a conflict scenario.While some experts argue North Korea still faces challenges—such as ensuring warheads can survive atmospheric reentry—others argue that the assessment given the number of years the country has spent on its nuclear and missile programs.Since the high-stakes talks with US President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019, North Korea has aggressively expanded its nuclear programme. At a recent Workers’ Party congress, leader Kim Jong Un signalled openness to renewed negotiations but insisted that the US must abandon its demand for denuclearisation as a precondition for dialogue.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a high-thrust engine test, boosting North Korea’s missile capability; he reaffirmed nuclear ambitions and criticised the United States.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hailed his country’s strategic military capability as he oversaw a test of a high-thrust, solid-fuel engine for weapons, state media reported on Sunday (Mar 29). The test marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s missile program, particularly its ability to develop weapons reportedly capable of reaching the United States mainland. Korean Central News Agency reported that the test involved an upgraded engine built using advanced composite carbon fibre materials. The engine reportedly achieved a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilotons, an increase from earlier tests, indicating rapid technological progress. Analysts believe such improvements could support efforts to mount multiple warheads on a single missile, enhancing the chances of penetrating missile defence systems. The report did not add where or when the test took place. In a speech at North Korea’s Parliament earlier, Kim pledged to irreversibly cement his country’s status as a nuclear power. He also accused the US of global “state terrorism and aggression.” He was most likely referring to the United States’ military operations in Iran. In recent years, North Korea has accelerated its missile testing program, including launches of solid-fuel ICBMs demonstrating the potential range to reach the US mainland. These weapons are considered more advanced than older liquid-fuel missiles because they can be deployed more quickly and are harder to detect before launch, increasing their survivability in a conflict scenario. While some experts argue North Korea still faces challenges—such as ensuring warheads can survive atmospheric reentry—others argue that the assessment given the number of years the country has spent on its nuclear and missile programs. Since the high-stakes talks with US President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019, North Korea has aggressively expanded its nuclear programme. At a recent Workers’ Party congress, leader Kim Jong Un signalled openness to renewed negotiations but insisted that the US must abandon its demand for denuclearisation as a precondition for dialogue.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a high-thrust engine test, boosting North Korea’s missile capability; he reaffirmed nuclear ambitions and criticised the United States.

North Korea tests engine for missiles capable of reaching US amid global tensions

North Korea showcased its growing military strength as leader Kim Jong Un oversaw large-scale tank drills, highlighting the country’s armoured capabilities. The exercise featured advanced battle tanks and coordinated maneuvers, signalling Pyongyang’s continued focus on military readiness amid rising regional tensions.

In a notable moment, Kim Jong Un was seen alongside his daughter, drawing global attention and sparking speculation about her increasing public presence in state events. The display underscores North Korea’s intent to project power while reinforcing internal messaging around leadership continuity and defence strength.

North Korea's Tank Power On Display | Kim Jong Un Appears with Daughter at Military Drill

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was seen riding a tank during a major military exercise, showcasing the country’s advancing armoured capabilities. The drill comes amid rising regional tensions, with his daughter Kim Ju Ae once again appearing alongside him, drawing global attention. 


North Korea's Kim Jong Un Leads Tank Drill, Daughter Joins Spotligh

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears with daughter Kim Ju Ae during tank drills, signalling heightened military readiness amid missile tests and rising tensions with South Korea and the US.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears with daughter Kim Ju Ae during tank drills, signalling heightened military readiness amid missile tests and rising tensions with South Korea and the US.

North Korea preparing for war? Kim Jong Un and his teen daughter ride tank, oversee drills

North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly elections reported a staggering 99.99% turnout — a figure claimed by state media but widely seen as orchestrated. In a rare move, Supreme Leader Kim Jong‑un didn’t stand on the ballot, raising questions about political signalling. We examine what these elections actually represent, how the process works, and why analysts view them as a symbolic show of unity rather than a competitive democratic exercise. 


North Korea Elections: Near‑100% Turnout and What It Really Means

North Korea has conducted elections for its Supreme People’s Assembly, with state media reporting almost 100% voter turnout. The elections, closely monitored internationally, are part of the country’s tightly controlled political process. Analysts note that these votes primarily reaffirm the authority of Kim Jong Un and the ruling party.

North Korea Holds Supreme People’s Assembly Elections, Nearly 100% Turnout

North Korea conducted elections for its Supreme People’s Assembly, with state media reporting an almost 100% voter turnout. Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un personally cast his vote. Watch this report for more details!


North Korea Holds Supreme People’s Assembly Polls, Kim Jong Un Votes

North Korea has conducted a test of its 600mm-calibre multiple rocket launchers, demonstrating its growing long-range missile capabilities amid rising tensions in East Asia. The tests are seen as a signal of Pyongyang’s military readiness, drawing concern from South Korea, the US, and regional allies. Analysts say these tests are part of North Korea’s broader strategy to advance its arsenal of heavy artillery and missile systems, increasing the risk of conflict in the region. 

North Korea Tests Ballistic Rockets, South Korea Monitoring Closely | 10 Missiles Fired by N Korea

North Korea, over the years have invested heavily in its ballistic missile program, something that has repeatedly made both Washington and its allies in the region extremely uneasy. It has tested several long-range ballistic missiles that can hit an intercontinental target. 

North Korea, over the years have invested heavily in its ballistic missile program, something that has repeatedly made both Washington and its allies in the region extremely uneasy. It has tested several long-range ballistic missiles that can hit an intercontinental target.&nbsp;

North Korea's missile arsenal: Can US, THAAD and Patriot stop North Korea's Hwasong missiles

North Korea has conducted a test of its 600mm-calibre multiple rocket launchers, demonstrating its growing long-range missile capabilities amid rising tensions in East Asia. The tests are seen as a signal of Pyongyang’s military readiness, drawing concern from South Korea, the US, and regional allies. Analysts say these tests are part of North Korea’s broader strategy to advance its arsenal of heavy artillery and missile systems, increasing the risk of conflict in the region. 


North Korea Conducts Test of Multiple Rocket Launcher System | S Korea: 10 Ballistic Missiles Fired

North Korea has launched a fresh round of missiles as tensions rise on the Korean Peninsula during a high-level diplomatic meeting between South Korean Prime Minister and U.S. President Donald Trump. The missile launches, ordered by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, are being seen as a strong signal amid growing regional security concerns.


Kim Jong Un Launches Missiles as South Korean PM Meets Donald Trump

North Korea Conducts Test of 600mm-Calibre Multiple Rocket Launchers

North Korea conducted a major firepower drill using 600mm ultra-precision rocket launchers as tensions rise during US-South Korea Freedom Shield exercises. Kim Jong Un reiterated the need for a strong nuclear deterrent 

North Korea conducted a major firepower drill using 600mm ultra-precision rocket launchers as tensions rise during US-South Korea Freedom Shield exercises. Kim Jong Un reiterated the need for a strong nuclear deterrent&nbsp;

'Weapon will be used immediately...’: North Korea sends BIG message to US amid West Asia war, conducts drills with 600mm rocket launchers

Kim Jong Un Launches Missiles As South Korean PM Meets Donald Trump

North Korea has fired multiple ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan and South Korea amid ongoing military drills, prompting a swift reaction from the United States. Washington condemned the launches as provocative acts and reiterated its commitment to regional security and defense of allies.

Breaking: U.S. Reacts After North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles 

North Korea has launched 10 ballistic missiles toward Japan and South Korea, escalating tensions in East Asia amid ongoing joint military drills between the U.S. and South Korean forces. The missile launches demonstrate Pyongyang’s growing missile capabilities and serve as a warning against regional military activities.

North Korea Launches 10 Ballistic Missiles Near Japan & S Korea Amid Joint Drills

Why is Kim Jong Un’s daughter suddenly firing pistols in state photos?

New images show Kim Ju Ae shooting at a weapons factory alongside Kim Jong Un, sparking fresh speculation about succession in North Korea. Is this a staged photoshoot or a signal about the country’s next leader?

Why is Kim Jong Un’s daughter suddenly firing pistols in state photos?New images show Kim Ju Ae shooting at a weapons factory alongside Kim Jong Un, sparking fresh speculation about succession in North Korea. Is this a staged photoshoot or a signal about the country’s next leader?

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un takes heir apparent Ju Ae shooting: Photoshoot or show of strength amid Iran war?

North Korea has conducted a test of a new naval cruise missile, further strengthening its maritime strike capabilities. State media reported that the weapon is designed to be launched from warships and target enemy vessels with high precision.


North Korea Tests New Naval Cruise Missile: Kim Jong Un Oversees Warship Missile Test

North Korea’s latest cruise missile test comes as the US and South Korea conduct Freedom Shield drills and reports emerge of THAAD assets being moved to West Asia amid the Iran war. Seoul says deterrence remains strong, but the development raises concerns about regional security dynamics.

North Korea’s latest cruise missile test comes as the US and South Korea conduct Freedom Shield drills and reports emerge of THAAD assets being moved to West Asia amid the Iran war. Seoul says deterrence remains strong, but the development raises concerns about regional security dynamics.

North Korea's message to US amid Iran war? Kim tests cruise missile as America moves THAAD system out of S Korea: What's happening

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised the “physically weak but strong-willed” women of his country during an International Women’s Day speech in Pyongyang. His daughter Kim Ju Ae attended the event, fuelling speculation she is being positioned as his successor 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised the “physically weak but strong-willed” women of his country during an International Women’s Day speech in Pyongyang. His daughter Kim Ju Ae attended the event, fuelling speculation she is being positioned as his successor&nbsp;

‘Physically weak’ but ‘strong willed’: Kim Jong Un delivers his first Women's Day speech — Is he promoting his daughter Ju Ae?

Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, has sparked succession rumours after appearing at major state events in matching attire alongside her father. South Korea says she may be groomed as a future leader, but questions remain.

Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, has sparked succession rumours after appearing at major state events in matching attire alongside her father. South Korea says she may be groomed as a future leader, but questions remain.

Fashion or political symbol? Kim Jong Un, daughter fuel succession rumours with matching jackets

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ended a rare party congress with a message for the United States, saying that his country could "get along" with Washington if President Donald Trump's administration would respect Pyongyang's status as a nuclear power. However, Kim shut the door firmly on South Korea, saying his country remains "most hostile" towards the enemy, reported state media on Thursday (Feb 26).Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/enemy-can-t-expect-god-s-protection-north-korea-s-kim-jong-un-unveils-monstrous-600-mm-rocket-launcher-1771486189076">Enemy can't expect 'God’s protection': North Korea's Kim Jong Un unveils monstrous 600-mm rocket launcher</a><h2>What did Kim Jong Un say?</h2>According to state media reports, Kim said there was “no reason” North Korea and the United States could not “get along” if Washington recognises Pyongyang’s status as a nuclear-armed state and abandons what he called its hostile policy. If Washington "respects our country's current status as stipulated in the Constitution... and withdraws its hostile policy... there is no reason why we cannot get along well with the United States", said the Pyongyang leader.The comment comes as speculation builds that Trump could seek a meeting with Kim during a visit to China in April.<h2>Trump-Kim to meet?</h2>While a meeting has not been confirmed, Trump has earlier signalled he would "100 per cent" be open to talks with North Korea. He has even described North Korea as “sort of a nuclear power,” language that breaks with years of US policy. A fresh meeting would mark a dramatic turn after diplomacy stalled following the failed 2019 summit in Hanoi, where a deal for sanctions relief in exchange for denuclearisation proved impossible to reach.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-kim-jong-un-s-sister-kim-yo-jong-promoted-at-party-congress-amid-heir-speculation-1771898372564">North Korea: Kim Jong Un’s sister Kim Yo Jong promoted at party congress amid heir speculation</a><h2>What did Kim Jong Un say about South Korea?</h2>While expressing flexibility with the United States, Kim was blunt about South Korea. He declared that Pyongyang would “permanently exclude” Seoul as one of his nation's "compatriots" and called it the North’s “most hostile” enemy. He insisted that North Korea had "absolutely no business dealing with South Korea, its most hostile entity". Recent gestures from the South, he said, were "deceptive".The rhetoric follows a 2024 constitutional revision that formally labelled South Korea a "hostile state," a significant shift from decades of language about eventual reunification. &nbsp;

Can North Korea and the US “get along” again? At a rare party congress, Kim Jong Un signalled openness toward Washington but struck a sharply different tone on South Korea.

What exactly did he say, and what could it mean for future talks? Scroll down to read more.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ended a rare party congress with a message for the United States, saying that his country could "get along" with Washington if President Donald Trump's administration would respect Pyongyang's status as a nuclear power. However, Kim shut the door firmly on South Korea, saying his country remains "most hostile" towards the enemy, reported state media on Thursday (Feb 26). Also read | Enemy can't expect 'God’s protection': North Korea's Kim Jong Un unveils monstrous 600-mm rocket launcher What did Kim Jong Un say? According to state media reports, Kim said there was “no reason” North Korea and the United States could not “get along” if Washington recognises Pyongyang’s status as a nuclear-armed state and abandons what he called its hostile policy. If Washington "respects our country's current status as stipulated in the Constitution... and withdraws its hostile policy... there is no reason why we cannot get along well with the United States", said the Pyongyang leader. The comment comes as speculation builds that Trump could seek a meeting with Kim during a visit to China in April. Trump-Kim to meet? While a meeting has not been confirmed, Trump has earlier signalled he would "100 per cent" be open to talks with North Korea. He has even described North Korea as “sort of a nuclear power,” language that breaks with years of US policy. A fresh meeting would mark a dramatic turn after diplomacy stalled following the failed 2019 summit in Hanoi, where a deal for sanctions relief in exchange for denuclearisation proved impossible to reach. Also read | North Korea: Kim Jong Un’s sister Kim Yo Jong promoted at party congress amid heir speculation What did Kim Jong Un say about South Korea? While expressing flexibility with the United States, Kim was blunt about South Korea. He declared that Pyongyang would “permanently exclude” Seoul as one of his nation's "compatriots" and called it the North’s “most hostile” enemy. He insisted that North Korea had "absolutely no business dealing with South Korea, its most hostile entity". Recent gestures from the South, he said, were "deceptive". The rhetoric follows a 2024 constitutional revision that formally labelled South Korea a "hostile state," a significant shift from decades of language about eventual reunification.

Can North Korea and the US “get along” again? At a rare party congress, Kim Jong Un signalled openness toward Washington but struck a sharply different tone on South Korea.What exactly did he say, and what could it mean for future talks? Scroll down to read more.

Can North Korea and the US 'get along' again? Kim says it's possible, but only if Trump recognised Pyongyang as nuclear state

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