North Korea vowed to expand its nuclear forces under Kim Jong Un, criticizing the U.S. and its neighbors in Asia for pushing an "absurd" denuclearization plan.

Justin Martell recently became the first known American to step foot inside the secretive nation since the onset of the pandemic more than five years ago.

North Korea criticized the United States for pursuing the "absurd and outdated" goal of denuclearization Tuesday, saying that Pyongyang would stick to leader Kim Jong Un's goal of building up its nuclear forces.

North Korea's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that it will keep bolstering its nuclear force, denouncing a recent joint pledge by the United States, South Korea and Japan for its denuclearisation, according to state media KCNA.

North Korea accused the U.S. of attempting to implement an "outdated and absurd plan" for denuclearization and warned of "overwhelming and decisive counteraction" if

The North Korean ministry accused the US of trying to realize an “outdated and absurd plan” of denuclearizing the North and warned of “overwhelming and decisive counteraction” against its rivals if it perceives its security is under threat.

North Korea closed its borders five years ago when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and they have remained shut ever since.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will hold their first meeting in the German city of Munich later this week, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Thursday.

The 12-story building at the North’s scenic Diamond Mountain resort, which has 206 rooms and banquet facilities for hosting meetings, had been used for family reunions since 200

North Korea on Tuesday criticized the United States and Asian neighbors for pursuing the “absurd” goal of denuclearizing the North and said it will push to expand its nuclear forces under the direction of its authoritarian leader Kim Jong Un.

North Korea on Wednesday slammed the United States over President Trump's announced aim to take control of the Gaza Strip and permanently displace its residents, calling it "slaughter and robbery" in state-run media.