Only idiots would give up nukes, says Kim’s sister

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 18, 2026

Kim Yo-jong stated that North Korea’s nuclear weapons are permanent and non-negotiable, rejecting denuclearisation efforts as misguided. Her remarks come amid renewed signals from the U.S. about potential dialogue, highlighting ongoing tensions over Pyongyang’s expanding arsenal and regional security.

Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, declared the country’s nuclear weapons status as “absolute” and irreversible, dismissing calls for denuclearisation as misguided. Her remarks were made during the International Atomic Energy Agency’s General Conference in Vienna on Thursday.

In a statement released by the official Korean Central News Agency, Kim Yo-jong emphasized that North Korea’s nuclear arsenal serves as a crucial deterrent against what she described as “outrageous acts of international rogues.” She characterized efforts to persuade Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear program as “familiar silly talk” and insisted that such views represent the opinions of “idiots.” She further asserted that despite hostile rhetoric, North Korea’s nuclear status had been permanently established both physically and legally.

The statement arrived amid renewed indications from U.S. President Donald Trump of a possible resumption of dialogue with Pyongyang. In August, Trump estimated North Korea’s nuclear stockpile at 57 “very powerful” weapons, while South Korean sources have put the figure between 80 and 120. Trump has expressed a willingness to meet with Kim Jong-un again later this year, following three previous summits during his first term as president.

A South Korean Unification Ministry official commented on the timing of Kim Yo-jong’s remarks, highlighting their significance given Trump’s outreach efforts. “We are paying close attention to Kim Yo-jong’s statement, as it comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has recently expressed his willingness to pursue dialogue with North Korea,” the official said.

Despite the prospect of renewed talks, diplomatic progress stalled after the 2019 Hanoi summit failed to yield an agreement on sanctions relief and denuclearisation steps. Since then, Pyongyang has reportedly expanded its nuclear arsenal, underscoring its commitment to maintaining and strengthening its nuclear capabilities.

Kim Yo-jong’s comments reflect Pyongyang’s firm stance on its nuclear weapons program as a core component of its national security strategy and a non-negotiable element of its sovereignty. The international community continues to monitor developments closely amid ongoing concerns over regional and global security implications.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.