What does North Korea have in store for the next U.S. president?

Pyongyang couches hopes for better ties in hard-line rhetoric

20240814 North Korea Ceremony

North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, made a keynote address at an undisclosed location to mark the delivery of 250 new tactical ballistic missiles on Aug. 4.  © KCNA/Reuters

HIROSHI MINEGISHI, Nikkei senior staff writer

TOKYO -- As former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris go toe to toe, North Korea is among many countries paying keen attention to the 2024 U.S. presidential election -- but from an unusual standpoint.

At a military ceremony on Aug. 4, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, sounded in two minds about his belligerent hermit nation's relationship with the U.S. He said his country, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, should be more thoroughly prepared to square off with the U.S. if need be. But he also said Pyongyang has the choice of engaging in dialogue with Washington.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.