North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has signaled an openness to restore relations with the United States and engage in talks if the U.S. abandons its hostile policy, while emphasizing that South Korea remains a permanent enemy and pledging to continue nuclear development.
On 26 Feb 2026 GMT+7, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong Un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, stated that North Korea has no reason not to coexist with the United States if the U.S. respects North Korea's status and ends its hostile policy.
The North Korean leader made these remarks during a policy review meeting at the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea held throughout the past week. Kim emphasized that North Korea–U.S. relations depend primarily on the U.S. stance, warning that if the U.S. maintains a confrontational position, it will receive a commensurate response.
This statement is seen as an opening for negotiations with Donald Trump's administration, which is scheduled to visit China in April, amid speculation that this could be an opportunity to revive high-level talks.
Experts interpret the recent stance as reflecting North Korea's dual strategy: opening room to negotiate with the U.S. while simultaneously applying pressure on South Korea alongside strengthening its military capabilities.
Source: Yonhap