Overview

• In remarks carried by KCNA, Kim Jong Un said he would meet the United States only if Washington abandons its demand that North Korea denuclearize.
• He reiterated that North Korea will not give up its nuclear arsenal or trade it for sanctions relief, claiming UN measures have strengthened the country’s resilience.
• Kim rejected talks with South Korea despite outreach by President Lee Jae-myung and called Seoul’s gradual proposal evidence of insincerity.
• Kim said he has good memories of President Donald Trump, noting they met three times before negotiations collapsed in 2019.
• Reporting notes the North has continued advancing nuclear and missile programs under UN sanctions, while Lee argues sanctions failed and estimates Pyongyang is adding roughly 15–20 warheads per year as he presses a stepwise approach.