North Korea Rejects IAEA Resolution, Issues Statements from Kim Yo-jong and Foreign Ministry

North Korea has issued statements from Kim Yo-jong, the head of the Workers' Party, and a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, expressing strong opposition to a resolution from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that reaffirms its inability to recognize North Korea's status as a nuclear power.

According to the Korean Central News Agency on September 19, Kim stated that the IAEA adopts resolutions targeting North Korea annually under the influence of the United States and the West. She asserted that this latest resolution would have no impact on North Korea's status as a nuclear power.

Kim argued that since North Korea is outside the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), its nuclear activities are not subject to IAEA oversight, and the agency has no authority to intervene. She specifically criticized the IAEA for remaining silent on U.S. nuclear proliferation and South Korea's plans to introduce nuclear-powered submarines, accusing it of applying a 'double standard.'

In a separate statement released on September 18, the Foreign Ministry also expressed its refusal to accept the IAEA resolution. The ministry contended that it is unjust to question North Korea's status as a nuclear power and its defensive measures, given that North Korea is neither a member of the NPT nor the IAEA.

The Foreign Ministry emphasized, "Our status as a nuclear power does not require recognition from the U.S., the West, or the IAEA," asserting that North Korea's nuclear deterrent capabilities and constitutional status as a nuclear power cannot be reversed.

The ministry also noted the deteriorating international security environment and pledged to actively implement long-term plans to build self-defensive deterrence. It reaffirmed its commitment to respond to external threats based on its nuclear capabilities.

On September 17, during its 70th regular session held in Vienna, the IAEA adopted a resolution stating that North Korea cannot possess nuclear power under the NPT. The resolution expressed serious concerns over North Korea's ongoing nuclear activities and called for the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of all nuclear weapons and programs.