The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un has declared that progress in bilateral relations with the United States depends entirely on Washington abandoning its "hostile policy," according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on February 26, 2026. The remarks were delivered during the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, which concluded this week after sessions held from February 19 to 25.
Kim emphasized that the DPRK is open to normalized ties if the U.S. withdraws its confrontational stance but warned of a firm response if military alliances and activities in the Asia-Pacific region continue to escalate. "The expansion of U.S.-led aggressive blocs beyond a tolerance limit directly threatens the security of the Korean Peninsula and the broader region," he stated in his work review report.
Analysts suggest the comments reflect Pyongyang's strategic balancing act amid heightened regional tensions. Business professionals and policymakers are closely monitoring implications for stability in East Asia, particularly regarding cross-border trade and security dynamics.
