North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has signalled a continued hard line toward South Korea while suggesting that Pyongyang “could get along” with the United States under certain conditions, underscoring the complex diplomatic posture adopted by the reclusive state amid heightened regional tensions.

In recent remarks carried by state media, Kim reiterated his government’s stance that relations with South Korea have reached what he described as an irreversible low point. He accused Seoul of pursuing hostile policies in coordination with Washington and reaffirmed North Korea’s position that it no longer views the South as a partner for reconciliation. The comments align with Pyongyang’s earlier declarations redefining inter-Korean ties as those between “two hostile states.”

At the same time, Kim indicated that engagement with the United States remains possible if Washington adopts what he called a more respectful and pragmatic approach. While offering no concrete proposals, he suggested that dialogue could resume provided mutual interests are acknowledged and security concerns addressed. The statement stops short of announcing formal talks but leaves open the prospect of diplomatic recalibration.

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Relations between North Korea and the United States have fluctuated in recent years, including high-profile summits during the administration of former US President Donald Trump, which ultimately failed to produce a lasting agreement on denuclearisation. Since then, negotiations have stalled, with Pyongyang accelerating missile tests and Washington strengthening coordination with regional allies, including South Korea and Japan.

Analysts say Kim’s remarks reflect a strategic effort to maintain leverage by keeping diplomatic channels selectively open while reinforcing domestic narratives of external hostility. By distancing Pyongyang from Seoul while cautiously referencing possible engagement with Washington, North Korea appears to be signalling that any future negotiations would be conducted on its own terms. Regional observers note that sustained tensions on the Korean Peninsula are likely to persist unless substantive diplomatic initiatives emerge.

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