"Slurs Do Not Help Build Trust"… Urges Joining the "Journey" to Peace

[Anchor]

In response to Kim Yo-jong's mockery, the Cheong Wa Dae stated, "Derogatory remarks do not help in building mutual trust." While showing some discomfort, the presidential office refrained from launching counter-criticism and exercised restraint. The government urged North Korea to join the "journey" of transforming the armistice regime into a peace regime.

This is followed by a report from reporter Kim Hye-young.

[Reporter]

The Cheong Wa Dae exercised emotional restraint regarding the statement criticizing South Korea issued by Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Department Director of the Workers' Party of Korea.

Instead, it urged, "Derogatory remarks against our government and president do not help in building mutual trust," adding, "We call for an end to unnecessary slander and to move forward together toward peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula."

While avoiding escalating the situation through mutual slander, the presidential office drew a clear line against Kim Yo-jong's criticism.

The Cheong Wa Dae also reiterated its intention to continue playing the role of a "pacemaker" for a peaceful coexistence policy based on mutual respect and the resumption of North Korea-U.S. dialogue.

Today (August 21), the South Korean government released an official statement saying, "Do not distort our commitment to peace on the Korean Peninsula, and join us in the 'journey' to transform the unstable armistice regime into a peace regime," and emphasizing that "only when the South and the North work together can we successfully complete this 'journey' to the end."

A high-ranking official at the Ministry of Unification stressed, "A peace regime is impossible unless the South and the North look in the same direction," adding, "In that regard, disparagement or distortion should not take place, and consideration and respect for each other are necessary."

A government official told SBS, "Judging by Kim Yo-jong's statement, it does not appear that there were any prior behind-the-scenes contacts between North Korea and the U.S.," but also noted, "Since she did not directly criticize U.S. President Trump, it seems she has left the door open for dialogue."

The South Korean government appears focused on avoiding premature optimism by seeing through the intent behind North Korea's slander against the South, while concentrating on supporting the realization of President Trump's proposal for dialogue.

The South Korean military concluded the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises today, having shortened them to six days following President Trump's request for downsizing, and plans to conduct only 7 out of the initially planned 14 joint field training exercises.

(Photo: Cho Choon-dong | Video Editing: Lee Seung-yeol | Design: Park Tae-young)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.