Kim’s double strategy: threats to Seoul, winks to Washington
Kim Jong Un made it clear this week. At the closing of the Workers’ Party congress, the North Korean leader issued a brutal warning against his southern neighbor.
He claimed that his country could “completely destroy” South Korea if its security was threatened.
But here’s the twist. While he closed the door to dialogue with Seoul, he left it ajar for Washington. It’s the classic Kim game: maximum military pressure combined with a conditional diplomatic offer.
Nuclear weapons and missiles: the new normal
The internal message was just as strong. Kim called for developing new weapons systems, including submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles and more tactical nuclear weapons. Everything pointing, obviously, towards South Korea.
For him, the accelerated development of its nuclear program has “permanently consolidated” North Korea’s status as an atomic power. A fact that no one seriously discusses anymore in diplomatic circles.
What is interesting is the condition that he placed on the United States: abandon what he calls “hostile” policies as a requirement to resume talks. It is the same demand as always, but now with more arsenal behind it.
Why this double talk now?
Analysts expected a more measured tone toward Washington. Kim has been prioritizing his alliance with Russia, sending soldiers and military equipment to support the war in Ukraine. But the strategy makes sense.
If the Ukrainian conflict ends, North Korea could lose value to the Kremlin. Keeping options open with the United States is pure geopolitical calculation.
“Whether it is peaceful coexistence or permanent confrontation, we are ready for either,” Kim explained about relations with the US. “The choice is not ours.”
It is the classic North Korean position: holding the other responsible while strengthening itself militarily. Talks with Trump collapsed in 2019, and Pyongyang has since repeatedly refused to return to the table.
Meanwhile, Kim continues to forge a more assertive regional presence. The military parade in Pyongyang this week was just the icing on the cake after the party congress.
What is clear is that North Korea is no longer talking about peaceful reunification. Since 2024 he declared South Korea a “permanent enemy.” Now add submarine missiles and more tactical nuclear weapons to that equation.
The question is whether Washington will take the diplomatic bait as threats against Seoul multiply. History suggests not.
