• Kim Jong Un emphasizes North Korea's unwavering status as a nuclear power.
• South Korea is designated the "most hostile state" by Pyongyang.
• A new five-year economic development plan was proposed, focusing on key sectors.
• North Korea plans to increase defense spending significantly.
• Relations between North and South Korea are at a historic low, with hardening rhetoric.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has asserted that his country will irreversibly maintain its status as a nuclear power, describing South Korea as its “most hostile state.” In a recent address to the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim stated that expanding a "self-defensive nuclear deterrent" is essential to ensuring national security and regional stability, rejecting any notion of exchanging nuclear disarmament for economic benefits or security assurances, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and India Times.

During the session, Kim specifically warned that any infringement on North Korea’s sovereignty would be met “mercilessly without hesitation or restraint,” highlighting a marked shift in relations with South Korea. Analysts note that the language used by Kim effectively diminishes the idea of shared nationhood, reflecting a broader strategic pivot that frames Seoul not as a partner but as an obstacle, a point underscored by comments from South Korean analysts, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

Kim's speech also outlined economic priorities, introducing a five-year development plan aimed at modernizing industry and enhancing infrastructure capabilities like electricity and food production. Critics point out that while North Korea is one of the world’s poorest nations, with a heavily sanctioned economy, this new plan includes significant increases in defense spending, with 15.8% of the 2026 budget dedicated to nuclear capabilities, according to Reuters and India Times.

The assembly also heard congratulations from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who emphasized strengthening ties with North Korea amid Xi's increasing isolation. This partnership marks a shift as Kim seeks to leverage international relations, particularly as dialogues with the United States remain stalled since 2019. Currently, Pyongyang appears inclined to deepen its ties with Moscow while redefining its position towards the Seoul-Washington alliance, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and India Times.