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Kim Jong Un Formalizes South Korea as ‘Primary Hostile State’

Addressing the 15th SPA, Kim enshrined permanent enmity with Seoul and declared his regime “ready for any choice” from the United States.

In this photo from North Korean state media, Kim Jong Un delivers an address at the first session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly, Mar. 23, 2026.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has formally designated South Korea as the country’s “most hostile state,” marking a definitive legal and ideological break in inter-Korean relations. According to the North’s state-controlled Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim codified a permanent state of enmity while signaling a “ready for any choice” posture toward the United States in his speech delivered on March 23 during the first session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA).

The declaration represents the final institutionalization of the “two hostile states” doctrine Kim first introduced in late 2023. By addressing the rubber-stamp parliament, Kim effectively elevated the exclusion of South Korea from a partner for reconciliation to a matter of supreme state policy.

“Especially, [we must] officially recognize South Korea as the most hostile state and treat it with thorough rejection and disregard through the most explicit language and actions,” Kim said. He further emphasized that any perceived provocation from Seoul would be met with an immediate, overwhelming response. 

“Regarding any act by South Korea that touches our Republic, we will make them pay the price mercilessly, without the slightest hesitation or consideration,” Kim added.

The speech also served as a platform for Kim to project a more aggressive nuclear stance. Accusing the United States of “state terrorism and aggression,”........

© The Diplomat