SEOUL, April 9 - North Korea has firmly declared that its status as a nuclear weapons state is permanent and cannot be reversed, a statement attributed to Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un. This assertion comes as a response to a recent joint statement from the foreign ministers of the United States, South Korea, and Japan, who reiterated their commitment to achieving North Korea's complete denuclearization, as reported by Reuters and India Times.

In her remarks, Kim Yo Jong emphasized that North Korea's nuclear capabilities were a direct result of external threats, stating, "It does not change no matter how desperately anyone denies." She further warned that any discussions around denuclearization are considered "the most hostile act" against the country's sovereignty, as underscored in coverage by Newsweek.

According to her, North Korea's nuclear program is enshrined in the nation's constitution, and she firmly reiterated that any attempts to challenge this status will only strengthen the desire for self-defense enhancements. "We don’t care about anyone’s denial and recognition," she stated, reinforcing the country's unwavering position.

Analysts believe North Korea has advanced its nuclear arsenal significantly since its first test in 2006 despite enduring sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council. The North has not conducted an atmospheric nuclear test, but its military advancements continue amid ongoing tensions in the region, particularly with strengthened ties between Pyongyang and Moscow amidst the Ukraine conflict.

With U.S. President Trump previously labeling North Korea as a "nuclear power" and expressing openness to dialogue, the dynamics remain complex as both sides navigate heightened military assertiveness and diplomatic negotiations in an ever-tense geopolitical landscape.