Overview
- State media quoted Kim warning North Korea could “destroy completely” South Korea if it deems its security threatened.
- He directed an accelerated drive for new delivery systems, including submarine-launch-capable intercontinental missiles, plus an expanded tactical nuclear arsenal targeting the South.
- Kim said Pyongyang could “get along” with the United States if Washington respects North Korea’s nuclear status and abandons what he called a hostile policy.
- A nighttime parade concluding the congress featured about 14,000 troops but withheld prominent strategic systems, with no ICBMs or other flagship hardware on display.
- Kim was unanimously reelected and reshuffled senior posts, promoting sister Kim Yo Jong, as images showed daughter Ju Ae beside him at the parade, stoking succession speculation.