Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has issued a stern warning of "terrible retaliatory attacks" against any force conducting hostile military acts during a military parade marking a key party congress, state media reported.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim made his remarks during the nighttime parade at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on Wednesday. This event coincided with the conclusion of a high-profile ruling party gathering. Kim emphasized the readiness of North Korea's armed forces to address any situation, declaring that the army would deliver retaliatory attacks as soon as any force commits hostile acts infringing upon the nation's sovereignty and security interests.

"Our armed forces are fully ready to cope with any circumstances," Kim stated in a speech covered by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). He further highlighted the crucial role of the state's armed forces in defending the country's right to existence and development, a duty he deemed irreplaceable.

Photos released by KCNA depicted Kim, along with his daughter Ju-ae, who is speculated to be his successor, his wife Ri Sol-ju, and other top officials observing the parade. Notably, the images did not feature any of North Korea's key weapons systems, signaling that these were likely not part of the event. However, the KCNA report indicated that the parade included aerial performances and 50 formations of marching troops, incorporating units deployed to support Russia's war against Ukraine.

The ninth congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea began last Thursday, focusing on outlining major policy directions for the coming five years in areas such as diplomacy, defense, and the economy. During a policy review session, Kim expressed that Pyongyang could engage positively with the United States if Washington retracts its hostile policy. In contrast, he dismissed Seoul's offers for dialogue as deceptive.