SEOUL, Oct 8 (Reuters) – Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has publicly rejected South Korea’s proposal to provide medical aid to Pyongyang, labeling it a “political provocation” and a violation of North Korea’s sovereignty.
In a statement released by North Korean state media KCNA, Kim criticized Seoul for attempting to publicize its efforts to secure United Nations sanctions exemptions for the aid package, claiming that South Korea had “insulted” North Korea by highlighting its issues with medicine and medical equipment shortages.
“The hostile nature of inter-Korean relations and South Korea’s identity can never change,” Kim stated. She emphasized that North Korea has “nothing to give or receive” from its southern neighbor.
Kim expressed the view that the South’s aid proposal was a strategic move to present itself as benevolent, while framing North Korea as resistant to engagement. South Korea recently secured a UN sanctions exemption, allowing it to send medical equipment worth approximately $6.8 million to a hospital in Pyongyang, which includes more than 1,400 medical items, such as diagnostic and surgical equipment. The delivery is planned for late November, contingent upon consultations with North Korea.
Simultaneously, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has been advocating for renewed dialogue and expanded humanitarian cooperation with North Korea, despite ongoing rejections from Pyongyang.
Linking the aid situation to a recent dispute over a mine blast that injured South Korean soldiers near the Demilitarized Zone, Kim urged Seoul to demonstrate respect and sincerity if it genuinely wishes to restore inter-Korean relations. “If there is truly a desire to restore inter-Korean relations, South Korea should first show respect, consideration and sincerity in each of its words and actions,” she said.
Seoul maintains that the mine blast was due to North Korean mines and has expressed intentions for diplomatic and military responses, while Pyongyang has denied the accusations, labeling the incident as fabricated.
In response to the ongoing tensions, the South Korean Unification Ministry asserted that it would not be influenced by North Korea’s reactions, reiterating its commitment to easing distrust between the two countries.
