1Berita – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has emphatically stated that he is no longer willing to engage in dialogue with neighboring South Korea.
In an official statement broadcast by the North Korean news agency KCNA, Jong-un simultaneously closed the door to discussions about reunification between North and South Korea.
“It is for us to realize the reality and determine our relationship with the South,” said Jong-un in his address, as reported by CNN on Sunday (12/31).
Jong-un mentioned that the current conditions between North and South Korea represent “hostile relations between two countries and two parties ready for war.”
“I am convinced that we should no longer deal with those who call us the ‘main enemy’ and only seek opportunities to ‘overthrow our regime,'” Jong Un asserted.
“As well as the idea of ‘unification through absorption’ by collaborating for reconciliation and unification,” Jong-un added, ensuring the closure of any compromise with South Korea.
Furthermore, Jong-un also assured that Pyongyang would not hesitate to take serious action if the Seoul-Washington coalition attempts to counter North Korea’s military activities.
North and South Korea have been separated since the end of the Korean War in 1953, with an armistice agreement. Although technically still in a state of war, both governments have long discussed the idea of reunification.
Tensions between these two neighboring nations have fluctuated over the past few decades. However, in recent times, tensions have increased after Jong-un affirmed his commitment to developing nuclear weapons and disregarding international regulations.
KCNA reported on Sunday (12/31) that North Korea plans to strengthen its nuclear program with three additional spy satellites by January 2024.
“Based on the successful experience of launching and operating the first spy satellite in 2023, the task of launching three additional spy satellites in 2024 has been declared to promote the intensive development of space science and technology,” the statement said, as reported by CNN.
In the same speech, Jong-un also stated that war on the Korean Peninsula could “break out at any time.” He ordered his military forces to prepare for war on the Korean Peninsula.
“[It is] a condition that must be accepted, that war can break out at any time on the Korean Peninsula due to the reckless moves of the enemy who wants to attack us,” said Kim.
Kim made these statements after urging his military to accelerate the nuclear program. During the party meeting, several plans for further military development were agreed upon for 2024.
These plans include the launch of three spy satellites, the development of unmanned aerial vehicles, the enhancement of electronic warfare capabilities, and the strengthening of nuclear and missile capabilities.
According to AFP, in the meeting, Kim also accused the United States of posing “various types of military threats” in its region and ordered North Korea’s armed forces to maintain an “extraordinary war response capability.”
In early December 2023, the U.S. deployed nuclear-powered submarines to the port city of Busan, South Korea, and flew long-range bombers in military exercises with South Korea and Japan.
Since the beginning, North Korea referred to the deployment of strategic weapons such as B-52 bombers in joint military exercises with the U.S.-Japan-South Korea as a “provocative step toward intentional nuclear war.”
Furthermore, during that occasion, Kim also emphasized that North Korea would no longer seek peace and unity with South Korea. He reiterated that the “uncontrollable crisis situation” had been triggered by Seoul and Washington.
The relationship between North and South Korea has reached its lowest point this year due to North Korea’s launch of a spy satellite in November.
The launch angered Seoul, prompting the suspension of parts of the 2018 military agreement between the two Koreas, aimed at easing tensions.
In response, Pyongyang canceled the agreement altogether. North Korea also vowed not to engage in further agreements with South Korea.
