Key facts
- Kim Yo-jong rejected a resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concerning North Korea's nuclear program.
- The IAEA resolution, adopted at its General Conference, stated North Korea cannot have nuclear-weapons-state status under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and called for an immediate cessation of related activities.
- Kim Yo-jong stated North Korea's nuclear status is "absolute" and cannot be reversed.
- She criticized the IAEA for not addressing U.S. nuclear weapons deployment in Europe and extended-deterrence arrangements with South Korea and Japan.
- Kim accused the IAEA of serving U.S. interests and lacking authority over North Korea's nuclear activities.
- North Korea will not mortgage its sovereignty or security rights to the "tolerance" of the U.S. and the West.
Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has rejected a resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that challenged Pyongyang's nuclear program. The resolution, adopted at the IAEA's 70th General Conference, reaffirmed that North Korea cannot hold nuclear-weapons-state status under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and urged Pyongyang to halt all related activities. Kim stated that North Korea's nuclear status is "absolute" and irreversible, asserting that its self-defensive nuclear activities are legitimate and not subject to international recognition. She criticized the IAEA for its perceived double standards and bias, particularly its failure to address U.S. nuclear weapons deployment in Europe and its extended-deterrence arrangements with South Korea and Japan. Kim accused the agency of serving U.S. interests and lacking the authority to interfere in North Korea's nuclear affairs. She emphasized that North Korea would not compromise its sovereignty or security rights and that maintaining the credibility of its nuclear force is paramount for national security, especially in the face of perceived external nuclear threats.