North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the nation’s youth must nurture their “hatred” for “American bastards” and help the military build weapons as it faces off with enemies, according to state media on Wednesday.

In a letter addressed to the Korean Children’s Union (KCU) ninth congress held the previous day, Kim also reportedly said the organization must improve childhood education policies and its methods for controlling how parents raise their children. 

Kim did not personally attend the KCU congress, which took place from Dec. 26 to 27 at the Ryugyong Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium in Pyongyang, according to