The North also said in its annual New Year's message that the country must "launch an all-out drive" to achieve prosperity. This year marks the centennial of the birth of new leader Kim Jong Un's grandfather, the revered national founder Kim Il Sung.
The New Year's message comes weeks after Kim Jong Il's death Dec. 17.
North Korea in recent days has cemented Kim Jong Un's position as leader of the country.
On Saturday, North Korea officially named him Supreme Commander over the 1.2 million-strong military.
