Overview

• On July 28, Kim Yo Jong delivered North Korea’s first official response to President Lee Jae Myung’s government, declaring no interest in proposals or talks with Seoul.
• She dismissed Lee’s suspension of border loudspeakers, leaflet campaigns and repatriation of drifted North Koreans as mere sentimental gestures and accused his administration of blind trust in the U.S. alliance.
• Kim Yo Jong pointed to the upcoming August U.S.-South Korea military exercises as proof that Seoul’s policies remain confrontational.
• Pyongyang’s deepening military and economic cooperation with Russia, including sending troops and conventional weapons to Ukraine, underpins its hardline stance on inter-Korean relations.
• In a follow-up statement on July 29, she said her brother’s rapport with President Trump did not translate into denuclearization talks, insisting recognition of North Korea’s nuclear status is a prerequisite for negotiations.