North Korea has declared that the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is an unrealisable “pipe dream,” responding to discussions anticipated between Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at a summit on the sidelines of the APEC forum in Gyeongju. According to North Korean state media KCNA, the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) efforts to challenge its status as a nuclear power and pursue denuclearization reflect a lack of common sense. This statement underscores North Korea’s defiance and its entrenched position on nuclear capabilities, which complicates diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the region. The broader significance lies in the continued tensions and the challenges faced by South Korea and its allies in addressing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.