Kim Jong Un Open to Talks if US Drops Denuclearization Demands, Signals Succession Plans

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has signaled a willingness to resume stalled negotiations with the United States, but only if Washington abandons its demand for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The offer comes as North Korea reportedly prepares for its seventh nuclear test, according to South Korean officials.

“If the U.S. Drops its hollow obsession with denuclearization and wants to pursue peaceful coexistence with North Korea based on the recognition of reality, there is no reason for us not to sit down with the U.S.,” Kim told a meeting of North Korea’s legislature, the Supreme People’s Assembly. He added that he personally holds “good memories” of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Kim’s statement, reported by North Korean state media on Monday, appears to be his clearest indication yet of a willingness to meet with Trump and revive diplomacy that has been stalled since 2019. The two leaders met three times during Trump’s first term – in Singapore, Vietnam, and at the inter-Korean border – but failed to reach a deal on denuclearization in exchange for sanctions relief.

However, Kim reiterated that North Korea developed nuclear weapons to ensure its survival and has enshrined its nuclear status in its constitution. He warned that the U.S. Has a pattern of disarming countries only to later intervene in their internal affairs, citing examples of Iraq and Libya.

The North Korean leader also delivered harsh criticism of South Korea, describing it as his country’s “most hostile” relationship. He dismissed recent efforts by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to improve relations, stating that North Korea could “launch any action” if Seoul threatened its security and warning that South Korea risked “complete collapse.”

Despite Kim’s strong rhetoric, the South Korean government stated on Thursday that it would continue to pursue its policy of peaceful coexistence.

The shift in tone from Pyongyang comes as Kim Jong Un was re-elected as general secretary of the Workers’ Party earlier this week. Analysts suggest this reaffirms the stability of his leadership, even amidst ongoing domestic and external challenges. The reappointment reinforces that “even amid domestic and external crises, there is no alternative to Kim Jong Un’s leadership,” said Lim, an analyst.

The party congress also serves as an opportunity for Kim to solidify the dynastic rule of his family, which has governed North Korea since its founding in 1948, and to signal potential successors. There has been increasing attention on Kim Ju Ae, his daughter, with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reportedly believing she has entered the “designation stage” of the succession process after a period of training.

The intelligence service noted her increased presence at military events and her attendance at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, a significant symbol of North Korea’s dynastic leadership. However, some experts remain skeptical about the extent of her designated role, arguing that claims of her offering policy opinions are speculative and based on limited evidence.

While Kim Ju Ae’s status has risen, Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, cautioned that there is insufficient evidence to suggest she is on the verge of being formally named her father’s successor. He also pointed out that no official party title has been assigned to her, nor have there been any indications of a meeting to discuss a formal succession plan, both of which have been customary in the past.

Nevertheless, analysts believe that efforts to lay the groundwork for Kim Ju Ae’s future power base are likely underway, even if no immediate steps are taken.