Kim Jong Un's Reassumption of Power: North Korea's New Warning and Signals for the Future

 

Kim Jong Un's Reassumption of Power: North Korea's New Warning and Signals for the Future

​Kim Jong Un has once again asserted his absolute dominance in North Korea's closed-door politics. He was recently re-elected as the head of the country's ruling 'Workers' Party.' However, this election is not just a formality, but through it he has sent a strong message to the world stage, especially to South Korea and the United States.
​Kim at the helm of the Workers' Party: Consolidation of Power
​The Workers' Party is the source of all power in the North Korean regime. Kim Jong Un's re-election as the head of this party means that his control over the country's domestic politics is now more impeccable than ever. This election is proof that he has been able to maintain his position even in the face of economic crisis or international sanctions.
​Warning to South Korea
​Immediately after the election, Kim Jong Un issued a stern warning to neighboring South Korea.  Kim's statement has added fuel to the recent tensions between the two countries. According to him:
​South Korea must stop its military provocations.
​Two-faced behavior must be avoided and sincerity must be shown.
​Strong message to the United States: Demand to stop "hostile behavior"
​The most important part of the speech was his call to the United States. Kim Jong Un clearly stated that the United States is North Korea's main enemy. He demanded:
​Washington must stop its so-called "hostile behavior" and discriminatory policies.
​North Korea will not back down from its nuclear program until the US military presence and joint exercises on the Korean Peninsula are stopped.
​"Even though the US administration has changed, its basic policy towards North Korea has not changed"—Kim Jong Un's comment makes it clear that he does not expect anything very positive from the Biden administration either.