Seoul:Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has once again denied responsibility for the recent mine explosion within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and criticized South Korea's calls to reduce tensions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, in a statement released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim reiterated her denial of the South Korean military's findings, which accused the North of causing the blast that injured three South Korean soldiers. She mocked Seoul's request for an apology and a halt to border fortification activities.
Kim stated that North Korea aims to sever ties with South Korea permanently, emphasizing a desire to prevent any interaction with the South, including by wild animals. This reflects Pyongyang's intent to "cut off the relationship forever" with its southern neighbor.
Despite these tensions, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to continue seeking practical measures to reduce military tensions with North Korea. At a ceremony for the 78th Armed Forces Day, he emphasized the importance of finding mutual solutions for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Kim dismissed President Lee's comments as the "climax of the farce," sarcastically suggesting that those behind such efforts deserve recognition for their role in the spectacle.
In light of these developments, South Korea's unification ministry reiterated its position of non-hostility towards North Korea. It urged an end to the "unproductive war of words" and called for direct dialogue between the two Koreas as a means to prevent further incidents and ease tensions.