▲ Kim Yo-jong, Department Director of the Workers' Party
Kim Yo-jong, director of the General Affairs Department of North Korea's Workers' Party, mocked South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's Armed Forces Day address—in which he pledged to continue measures to reduce inter-Korean military tensions—calling it "part two of a self-staged farce."
In a statement released today (October 2) through the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Director Kim made the remarks while repeatedly denying the South Korean military's announcement that an explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the western front on September 21 was likely caused by a North Korean landmine.
Kim asked, "Why do you imagine we would do something to get entangled with South Korea?" and stressed that the purpose of fortifying the border is to "shut and bolt the door forever so that we will never face South Korea, and not even wild beasts can pass through."
She added, "Our greatest wish is to sever this ill-fated connection (Karma) forever with those who bring nothing but headaches when confronted."
Kim also described the situation as a "spectacle," saying, "While low-level underlings like minnows are busy picking petty quarrels with others by announcing investigation findings and issuing official statements, the person called the president appeared at some ceremony and expressed his 'will' to consistently take practical measures to lower military tensions."
She went on to taunt, "It seems he intends to portray the world as chaotic and then take on the righteous lead role," adding, "I do not know who the lead and minor actors are, but in any case, I hope he gains great popularity by playing the 'righteous role.'"
In response to Kim's statement, South Korea's Ministry of Unification stated, "We have made it clear multiple times that we have no intention of showing hostility toward the North," adding, "It is time to halt the wasteful disputes that incite hatred and hostility, and instead meet to communicate."
The ministry also stressed, "Through this, the South and the North will be able to find measures to prevent recurrences and ease tensions."
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