Kim Jong-un has signaled a potential shift in North Korea’s diplomatic strategy, expressing openness to improved relations with the United States contingent on Washington’s recognition of Pyongyang’s nuclear status. The declaration came at the close of the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea, accompanied by a large-scale military parade in Pyongyang on February 25th, according to state media.
“There is no reason for us not to well understand with the United States,” Kim Jong-un stated, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), “if Washington respects the current status (nuclear) of our country as stipulated in the Constitution and withdraws its hostile policy.” This marks a notable departure from previous rhetoric, where the United States was consistently identified as the primary adversary.
However, the North Korean leader simultaneously hardened his stance against South Korea, dismissing any prospect of dialogue or reconciliation. Kim declared that North Korea has “absolutely no intention of dealing with South Korea, its most hostile entity,” and will permanently exclude Seoul from consideration as fellow countrymen. He asserted that the only path to security for South Korea lies in abandoning any connection to the North and ceasing interference in its affairs.
The shift in tone towards Washington follows recent displays of cordiality from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously engaged in direct negotiations with Kim Jong-un. During the previous party congress in 2021, Kim Jong-un had labeled the United States as his nation’s “biggest enemy.”
The congress also saw personnel changes within the ruling party. Kim Yo-jong, the leader’s influential sister, was promoted to a full department director, solidifying her position within the North Korean hierarchy. Senior military officials reportedly pledged their loyalty to Kim Jong-un during the proceedings.
While the military parade served to showcase North Korea’s military capabilities, the stated willingness to engage with the United States under specific conditions represents a potential, albeit conditional, opening for future diplomatic efforts. The KCNA reported that Kim Jong-un concluded the congress “with the firm conviction that a new historical turn will be made in our Party,” but no immediate steps toward dialogue with either Washington or Seoul have been announced.
