Kim Yo Jong: 'Only Fools Believe North Korea Will Abandon Nuclear Weapons'

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stated on September 17, 2026, that North Korea absolutely must possess nuclear weapons. She further described those who wish for the country to abandon its nuclear arsenal as 'fools,' according to Channel News Asia (CNA). North Korea has officially enshrined its status as a nuclear-armed state in law, with its leadership declaring that the country's nuclear weapons law is permanent and unchangeable. In a statement released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Yo Jong said, 'North Korea's stance as a nuclear-armed state is absolutely unchangeable. Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal makes a significant contribution to deterring the vicious activities of international thugs.' She added, 'Foolish remarks are expected to be heard about efforts to eliminate North Korea's nuclear weapons. If they truly believe it is possible, they will only hear the words of fools.' It is noteworthy that North Korea's nuclear arsenal has been expanding since the failed second summit between President Kim Jong Un and then-President Donald Trump in 2019, which collapsed over what North Korea would receive in return for denuclearization steps.