North Korea Declares South Korea Its 'Most Hostile State'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared that his country officially recognizes South Korea as its "most hostile state." He made the statement during a speech at the first session of the 15th Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea.

According to reports from North Korean state media, Kim stated that North Korea will "completely ignore and disregard" South Korea through "the clearest statements and actions." He further warned of "merciless" consequences in response to any provocative actions from Seoul.

The leader also emphasized that his country's status as a nuclear-armed state is permanent and will never change. "The dignity, interests, and ultimate victory of the country can be guaranteed only by the most powerful force," he asserted.

"The choice for our opponents—confrontation or peaceful coexistence—is up to them, and we are prepared to respond to any choice," Kim Jong Un said.

He pledged to further advance North Korea's "defensive nuclear deterrence" and maintain an "operational and precise" combat readiness of its nuclear forces. This posture is aimed at countering strategic threats to national and regional security.

Kim added that North Korea will continue strengthening its position as a nuclear weapons state while actively conducting campaigns to suppress any provocations from hostile forces.