North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks at a military parade marking a rare congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, on Feb 25, 2026 in Pyongyang. (Photo: Korea Central News Agency via AFP)SEOUL - Kim Jong Un says North Korea could “get along well” with the United States if Washington acknowledges its nuclear status, but has dashed hopes of a diplomatic thaw with Seoul, state media reported on Thursday. Kim made a direct appeal to the United States as a landmark congress of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party drew to a close on Wednesday evening. But Kim struck a far more combative tone when he addressed South Korea. North Korea has “absolutely no business dealing with South Korea, its most hostile entity, and will permanently exclude South Korea from the category of compatriots”, Kim said.

Source: Bangkok Post February 26, 2026 03:38 UTC