North Korea Designates South Korea as 'Most Hostile Nation'

North Korea on the 23rd designated South Korea as the 'most hostile nation' and warned of a merciless response during a Supreme People's Assembly address. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his stance at the assembly to further solidify the nation's status as a nuclear power and maintain a hard-line foreign policy.

In his speech, Kim stated, "In line with the mission vested by the republic's constitution and the requirements of the nuclear force enhancement line, we will further expand and sophisticate our self-defensive nuclear deterrence," and "fully prepare the swift and precise response posture of the state nuclear forces to thoroughly manage strategic threats to national and regional security."

Regarding the international situation, Kim emphasized, "If there is anything predictable, it is only the unchanging aggressive nature of imperialism." He added, "Whether our adversaries choose confrontation or peaceful coexistence is their prerogative, and we are prepared to respond to any choice."

Furthermore, regarding South Korea, he warned, "We will classify it as the most hostile country and thoroughly reject and disregard it with clear language and actions." He continued, "We will make South Korea pay a merciless price for any actions that provoke the republic, without any consideration or hesitation."

During this Supreme People's Assembly session, Kim Jong Un was re-elected as Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, and Jo Yong Won was elected Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly.