North Korea has expressed no interest in any policy or proposals for reconciliation from South Korea, according to Kim Jong Un’s sister. Kim Yo Jong, a senior North Korean ruling party official, believes that South Korea’s pledge of commitment to the South Korea-U.S. security alliance shows he is no different from his hostile predecessor. Kim said that South Korea expects to reverse all the consequences of its actions with a few sentimental words, which could be a greater miscalculation than that.
Lee, who took office on June 4 after winning a snap election after the removal of hardline conservative Yoon Suk Yeol over a failed attempt at martial law, has vowed to improve ties with Pyongyang that had reached the worst level in years. As gestures aimed at easing tensions, Lee suspended loudspeaker broadcasts blasting anti-North propaganda across the border and banned the flying of leaflets by activists that had angered Pyongyang.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry said Kim Yo Jong’s comments “show the wall of distrust between the South and the North is very high as a result of hostile and confrontational policy over the past few years.” The South has been cautiously optimistic that the North may respond positively and may even show willingness to re-engage in dialogue, particularly after Pyongyang shut off its loudspeakers.
Lee said on the anniversary of the Korean War armistice on Sunday Seoul would make efforts in all areas to “strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance that was sealed in blood.”
