Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un formally called South Korea the "most hostile state" and warned of merciless consequences if provoked, the North's state media reported Tuesday. South Korea "is officially designated as the most hostile nation," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted Kim as saying on the second and final day of the first session of the Supreme People's Assembly.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim stated that South Korea will pay the price for any provocation if Seoul provokes Pyongyang. This declaration underscores the tense relationship between the two nations, with North Korea reiterating its stance on defending its sovereignty against perceived threats.
Kim also emphasized that his country's status as a nuclear weapons state will remain unchanged. He vowed to continue efforts to counter "hostile forces" against Pyongyang, reinforcing North Korea's commitment to maintaining its nuclear capabilities.