SEOUL: North Korea has declared that its status as a nuclear power is “irreversible” after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a resolution criticising Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme.
Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused the UN nuclear watchdog of applying double standards toward North Korea. She made the remarks in a statement carried by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Saturday.
Kim criticised what she described as the IAEA’s “biased viewpoint and double standards”, claiming that such an approach was contributing to the weakening of the international nuclear non-proliferation system.
She accused the agency of overlooking what North Korea considers nuclear-related activities by the United States and South Korea, while adopting a resolution against Pyongyang’s nuclear programme.
Kim specifically referred to South Korea’s plans to introduce nuclear-powered submarines, describing North Korea’s nuclear programme as defensive and legitimate.
In a separate statement, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry rejected the IAEA resolution and reaffirmed that the country’s nuclear status would not be reversed. The ministry said North Korea’s nuclear deterrent was central to its position as a nuclear-armed state.
The statements came as North Korea continues efforts to strengthen its military capabilities. KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un conducted a three-day inspection tour of major munitions factories during the week.
According to the report, Kim said efforts to modernise various elements of the country’s defence capabilities were producing significant changes in the structure and capabilities of its armed forces.
Analysts cited by Reuters have said North Korea has been upgrading its military capabilities with assistance from Russia since the two countries signed a mutual defence treaty in 2024.
The analysts have also pointed to the combat experience gained by North Korean troops deployed in support of Russia’s war in Ukraine as a factor that could contribute to Pyongyang’s military development.
Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un also addressed a training session for propaganda workers in Pyongyang. He called for modern ideological warfare to become more innovative, creative and aggressive rather than relying on traditional methods.
The latest statements underline North Korea’s continued opposition to international criticism of its nuclear programme and its insistence that its nuclear deterrent remains a permanent element of its national defence policy.
