Kim Jong Un says North Korea can completely destroy South Korea if it feels threatened, and he refuses to engage with Seoul. On Thursday, state media reports he makes the remarks as he wraps up a ruling party congress. He also signals he still leaves room for talks with Washington. Kim calls for new weapons to strengthen his nuclear forces. He highlights missiles that launch from underwater and new intercontinental ballistic missiles. He also wants more tactical nuclear weapons, including artillery and short-range missiles aimed at South Korea. Kim says recent progress cements North Korea as a permanent nuclear weapons state. He demands the U.S. drop hostile policies to restart talks.
