North Korea: Kim Jong Un's sister does not want rapprochement with South Korea

Pyongyang/Seoul. The influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has rejected the overtures of the new liberal government in South Korea. Kim Yo Jong said on Monday that they have no interest in talks with South Korea. "We reiterate our official position that regardless of Seoul's policies and proposals, we have no interest in them," Kim said in a statement published by state media. There is neither a reason for a meeting nor an issue that needs to be discussed with South Korea.

This is North Korea's first official statement regarding the government of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in early June. In an effort to improve strained relations with North Korea, Lee's cabinet has stopped broadcasting propaganda along the border with Pyongyang and taken measures to prevent activists from sending balloons carrying propaganda leaflets across the border. In addition, several North Koreans who had drifted south in wooden boats months earlier were returned to their country.

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has repeatedly attacked South Korean ministers.

Source: Jorge Silva/Pool Reuters via AP/dpa

Kim described such steps as "sincere efforts." However, she believes Lee's administration will not differ significantly from its predecessors. She pointed to their "blind faith" in the military alliance with the United States and their attempt to confront North Korea. Kim also referred to the upcoming summer exercises between the South Korean and U.S. armed forces, which North Korea considers a rehearsal for an invasion.

North Korea has avoided talks with South Korea and the US since 2019 after diplomatic efforts by ruler Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump failed due to disputes over international sanctions.

Since beginning his second term in January, Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to rekindle ties with Kim. However, North Korea has not yet publicly responded to these overtures.

RND/AP