In a recent address concluding the 9th Party Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Jong-un reinforced North Korea's stark view of South Korea as a relentless adversary. He characterized South Korea as a 'thorough hostile nation' and dismissed any possibility of dialogue, firmly stating the North would forever exclude South Korea from the category of compatriots. This statement reflects Kim's unyielding stance, which echoes policies established during previous supreme people's assembly meetings. His rhetoric serves as a crucial indicator of North Korea's continuing animosity toward South Korea, emphasizing a stark divide in inter-Korean relations.

In contrast to this, Kim expressed a willingness to engage in discussions with the United States, provided it acknowledges North Korea's nuclear status. His remarks suggest a strategic approach aimed at leveraging upcoming U.S.-China diplomatic engagements for North Korea's benefit. This dual approach, which emphasizes hostility towards South Korea while leaving the door open for dialogue with the U.S., implies a calculated diplomatic strategy that seeks to balance confrontation with opportunities for negotiations.

Responses from South Korea's government officials highlight the serious implications of Kim's declarations. President Lee Jae-myung recognized the deep-rooted feelings of hostility that could not quickly be erased, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to improve relations. Furthermore, the South Korean unification minister pointed to the legacy of confrontation fostered under past administrations and called for a shift towards reconciliation, indicating a broader desire among South Korean leadership to move beyond the hostility that has characterized recent years.