Kim Jong Un signals openness to US if Washington drops 'hostile policy'

2026-02-26 - 07:22

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signaled potential rapprochement with the United States if Washington abandons what he termed a "hostile policy," while rejecting recent dialogue proposals from South Korea as "deceptive," South Korean media reported Thursday. Kim made the remarks during a policy review session at the ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, which concluded this week. Conditional Openness "We have no reason not to get along with the United States if it respects our country's current status, as defined in the North Korean constitution, and drops its hostile policy toward North Korea," Kim was quoted as saying by Yonhap News citing state media. He warned North Korea would respond in kind if the US maintains a confrontational stance. "Whether it is peaceful coexistence or eternal confrontation, we are prepared for both," he said, signaling future ties depend on Washington's next steps. Military Parade Warning The comments come amid renewed speculation about diplomacy ahead of an expected April visit by US President Donald Trump to China. Meanwhile, North Korea held a military parade in Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung Square on Wednesday evening marking the party congress. Kim praised the Korean People's Army as the core force defending sovereignty, warning: "Our army will deliver terrible retaliatory attacks to any forces the moment they commit hostile military acts infringing upon our national sovereignty and security interests." Seoul's Response While leaving the door open to potential US engagement, Kim dismissed Seoul's overtures as "deceptive," underscoring continued inter-Korean tensions. South Korea's presidential office responded: "Our government will continue efforts to open a future of co-prosperity in which the two Koreas can peacefully coexist and prosper together. To this end, the South and the North should refrain from hostile and confrontational rhetoric and build a foundation of mutual respect and trust."