Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of the North Korean leader, reiterated previous statements from North Korea that Pyongyang has no interest in resuming negotiations with the US and South Korea.
She stated that the upcoming military drill planned between the two countries in late August demonstrates their hostility towards North Korea, and blamed the government in Seoul for misleading the public.
North Korea has consistently condemned such joint drills, claiming that they are preparation for invading its territory. The country often uses these exercises to display its military strength and to advance its nuclear program.
“We have never removed loudspeakers installed in the border area and have no intention of doing so,” she added.
Have the South’s dialogue efforts failed?
Last weekend, South Korea’s army reported that some speakers in the North appeared to have been removed following the South’s similar measure regarding the loudspeakers used for K-pop and news reports in an effort to ease tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang.
In response to the North’s alleged removal of the speakers, liberal South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed hopes of “reopening dialogue and communications” between the two feuding countries.
The North’s response, however, was dismissive.
“We have clarified on several occasions that we have no will to improve relations with the (South),” Kim said, adding that this position will become “fixed” in North Korea’s constitution in the future.
