On Tuesday, Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, reaffirmed his hardline stance by declaring South Korea as the most hostile nation and vowing to thoroughly reject and ignore it.
The state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported that during the second day of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly’s first session on Monday, Kim delivered a policy speech outlining his future governance plans.
Kim declared that it recognizes South Korea as the most hostile country and will deal with it by thoroughly rejecting and ignoring it through the most explicit words and actions. It will make South Korea pay a hefty price for any actions that threaten the republic, without the slightest hesitation or consideration.
During the meeting, North Korea reiterated its intention to incorporate the two Koreas policy or related policies into its constitution, a stance it has maintained since December 2023. Given that the Supreme People’s Assembly handles legislation and amendments, there was speculation about the potential release of related content during this meeting.
While Rodong Sinmun’s report included Kim’s tough message towards South Korea, it did not clarify whether the two Koreas policy would be reflected in the constitution. However, Kim mentioned at the beginning of his speech that the assembly amended certain parts of the constitution to reflect essential national development requirements, suggesting that measures regarding the two Koreas policy were likely implemented.
If North Korea formalizes the two Koreas concept in its constitution, it is likely to establish new territories, maritime zones, and airspace. While North Korea did not disclose related content, it may reveal details through future military activities or Kim’s public engagements.
Professor Lim Eum-chul of Kyungnam University’s Institute for Far Eastern Studies analyzed that by not disclosing specific clauses such as the hostile two countries provision and territorial regulations despite amending the constitution, North Korea aims to instill fear and uncertainty in its opponents, allowing for flexible adjustments to future situations.
Kim Jong Un Emphasized, The Status of a Nuclear Power is Absolute and Unyielding… Strong Power Must Accompany Peace of the Strong.
Kim reinforced North Korea’s claim of being a nuclear power during his policy speech, likely including measures to strengthen this position in the constitutional amendment.
He asserted that the republic’s government will firmly solidify its status as a nuclear power without retreat and will aggressively counter all provocations against the nation by hostile forces. It will never overlook actions that infringe upon the sovereign rights, security interests, and development rights.
Kim continued that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has never rejected peace and has made every effort to secure the most reliable means of peace from the most peace-loving position. This is not only to guarantee the own safety but also the most responsible choice for ensuring peace and stability in the region and the international community.
Kim also stated that in accordance with the constitution and national nuclear force strengthening policy, it will further expand and evolve our self-defensive nuclear deterrent and ensure a rapid and precise response posture to effectively manage strategic threats to national and regional security.
He emphasized that unpredictability is the only certainty in today’s world, asserting that if peace is to be a sign of strength rather than weakness, it must be accompanied by powerful force, clearly framing nuclear possession as a diplomatic and security strategy to respond to complex global situations.
Kim further argued that while the U.S. commits acts of state terrorism and aggression worldwide, its arrogant coercion has not suppressed humanity’s progressive will to oppose domination. Instead, it has ignited anti-American sentiment and hatred among independent forces, pushing them towards unity and resistance. He criticized U.S. actions in Venezuela and Iran, including regime change efforts and military strikes.
North Korea Changes Socialist Constitution to Constitution and Introduces Police System as Part of Normalization Measures
During this meeting, North Korea announced the renaming of its constitution from the Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the Constitution of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and provided specific explanations of the revised legal draft. Additionally, it revealed plans to introduce a new police system, distinct from the military’s previous role, suggesting ongoing efforts to implement normalization measures.
Furthermore, North Korea reviewed last year’s budget execution results and allocated this year’s budget by sector during the meeting.
The Supreme People’s Assembly, as the highest sovereign body under the North Korean constitution, plays a role in enacting and approving the Workers’ Party’s decisions into law.
During this meeting, Kim encouraged newly appointed cabinet officials and those elected as delegates to the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly. A ceremony celebrating Kim’s reappointment as head of state and chair of the State Affairs Commission, as well as the achievements of the first session, included a performance on the same day.
