North Korean leader says he's 'open to dialogue' with South Korea

Kim Jong Un attends a performance dedicated to nuclear scientists and technicians.
(Image credit: STR/AFP/Getty Images)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in a televised New Year's Day address that he is "open to dialogue" with South Korea, Reuters reports. Kim additionally boasted that he has a nuclear button on his desk and could attack the U.S., but said he would only use the weapons if threatened.

The mixed message came after a year of escalating tensions over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests. Kim called his country "a peace-loving and responsible nuclear power," and said he would consider sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.