North Korea's foreign minister, Choe Son Hui, declared the country's nuclear arsenal permanent and "irreversible," rejecting South Korea's call for denuclearisation. The statement came after President Lee Jae Myung urged the UN to curb Pyongyang's weapons expansion and work to restart talks with Washington. Separately, North Korea reported testing "updated 240‑mm" rockets on September 22 with a reported range of up to 115 km.
North Korea Vows Nuclear Arsenal Will Remain "Forever," Rejects Denuclearisation Calls
North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui (-)
North Korea's foreign minister, Choe Son Hui, pledged on Thursday that the country will retain its nuclear weapons "forever," dismissing renewed appeals from South Korea's president for a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. The declaration, published by the state news agency KCNA, said Pyongyang's nuclear status is legally enshrined and irreversible.
Choe's statement followed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's address to the UN General Assembly, where he called for halting further growth in Pyongyang's weapons capabilities and ultimately achieving a Korean Peninsula free of nuclear arms. Lee also said Seoul would "lay the groundwork" for resuming long-stalled dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington.
Official Statement
"I reaffirm and reconfirm in the strongest tone of voice the steadfast will of our state to keep nuclear weapons through all ages," Choe said in a statement carried by KCNA. She added the country's nuclear status was "irreversible in any case and will remain unchanged forever," and said that while the coexistence of confrontation and dialogue may be workable for others, it "cannot be acceptable for the DPRK."
Recent Weapons Test
Separately, KCNA reported that Pyongyang tested "updated 240-millimetre controlled multiple-launch rockets" on September 22. The agency said the rockets are capable of striking targets up to 115 kilometres (71 miles) away.
Context And Next Steps
The statement reiterates Pyongyang's long-standing position that its nuclear programme is a permanent pillar of national defence. South Korea says it will try to revive talks between the North and the United States; a North Korean vice foreign minister is expected to address the UN General Assembly next week. Former US President Donald Trump, who met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times while in office, has previously expressed willingness to engage in dialogue.
The development is likely to complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at denuclearisation, even as regional actors continue to signal openness to renewed negotiations.
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