Kim Jong Un: South Korea Reconciliation is a "Mistake"

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that the desire for reconciliation or reunification with South Korea is a "mistake." During a year-end meeting of the ruling Workers' Party Central Committee, Kim stated, "I believe that considering those who describe us as the 'worst enemy' as people we seek reconciliation and unity with is a mistake we should not repeat." He said he would no longer consider South Korea a counterpart for reconciliation and unity. Kim called for a fundamental change in the approach to South Korea, adding that relations between the two Koreas have become one of "hostile states" or "states engaged in a state of combat." In this context, the North Korean leader continued: "We need to respond quickly to a potential nuclear crisis and mobilize all material means, including nuclear power, in an effort to accelerate preparations for the significant event of placing all of South Korean territory under our control."