Latest news with #anti-NorthKorea
Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Kim Jong Un's Sister Reacts to South Korea's Olive Branch
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's powerful sister has publicly rejected recent overtures from South Korea's new president, calling them a "serious miscalculation." Kim Yo Jong, a senior official in the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, dismissed peace initiatives from South Korea's new President Lee Jae-myung as inadequate. Kim dismissed Seoul's peace initiatives—including halting propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts along the border, restricting anti-North Korea leaflet activities, and offering opportunities for individual South Koreans to visit the North—and reaffirmed Pyongyang's refusal to engage in talks. "We clarify once again the official stand that no matter what policy is adopted and whatever proposal is made in Seoul, we have no interest in it and there is neither a reason to meet nor an issue to be discussed," Kim said in a statement carried by North Korean state media on July 28. South Korean officials responded by proposing adjustments to joint military exercises with the U.S.—a key point of contention for Pyongyang—in hopes of creating space for renewed dialogue. Newsweek contacted South Korea's foreign ministry via email for comment on Monday. Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong arrives for the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Pyeongchang Stadium in South Korea on February 9, 2018. Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong arrives for the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Pyeongchang Stadium in South Korea on February 9, 2018. PATRICK SEMANSKY/AFP via Getty Images Why It Matters Kim Yo Jong's statement marks the North's first official response to President Lee's diplomatic efforts since taking office in June. The rejection arrives at a critical juncture as Seoul's new government seeks to deescalate regional tensions and revive stalled inter-Korean relations. The dismissal from the North squashes hopes for near-term thawing of relations but also indicates Pyongyang's continuing pivot toward partnership with Russia, complicating efforts by the U.S. and its allies to counter North Korea's weapons development and contain growing security threats in Northeast Asia. What To Know In her official statement, Kim said: "If [Seoul], which had stoked the atmosphere of extreme confrontation in the past after unilaterally declaring the DPRK as its principal enemy, expected that it could reverse all the results it had made with a few sentimental words, nothing is more serious miscalculation than it." She added: "No matter how desperately the Lee Jae-myung government may try to imitate the fellow countrymen and pretend they do all sorts of righteous things to attract our attention and receive international attention, there can be no change in our state's understanding of the enemy and they can not turn back the hands of the clock of the history which has radically changed the character of the DPRK-ROK relations." Lee's administration has sought to signal goodwill by scaling back frontline anti-Pyongyang activities. It also repatriated six North Koreans earlier this month who had drifted into South Korean waters in March and May and had expressed their desire to return, Seoul's Ministry of Unification said. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and his wife Kim Hea-kyung are pictures at his inauguration at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, on June 4, 2025. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and his wife Kim Hea-kyung are pictures at his inauguration at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, on June 4, 2025. Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool/Getty Images Lee's government has reiterated a commitment to dialogue and peace. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young revealed plans to propose scaling down or altering the format of joint South Korea-U.S. military drills, a measure intended to address the North's grievances and support ongoing diplomatic outreach. Since the collapse of high-profile nuclear diplomacy between Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump in 2019, North Korea has intensified development of nuclear weapons. Pyongyang officially declared a two-state system on the peninsula and cut off major communication links with the South. North Korea has also strengthened ties with Russia, supporting Moscow's military actions and reportedly receiving economic cooperation in return. Despite President Trump's claims of positive personal diplomacy with Kim Jong Un, North Korea has not responded to calls for renewed talks. For American policymakers, Pyongyang's intransigence complicates efforts to curb its nuclear program and maintain stability in Northeast Asia. U.S. security strategies are further challenged by North Korea's growing alignment with Russia and ongoing missile developments around the peninsula. What People Are Saying Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, said in a statement on July 28: "We clarify once again the official stand that no matter what policy is adopted and whatever proposal is made in Seoul, we have no interest in it and there is neither a reason to meet nor an issue to be discussed." South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said during a press conference on July 28, reported by The Korea Times, that he will propose adjusting the scale of South Korea-U.S. joint military drills. "The issue will be a key topic of discussion at the working-level National Security Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow [Tuesday]." Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University, told Associated Press on July 28: "Kim Yo Jong's comments are an effort to advance national pride by portraying North Korea in a superior position, despite its economic struggles and international pariah status. She also seeks to justify Pyongyang's weapons programs and divide Seoul and Washington by criticizing upcoming military exercises." What Happens Next South Korean officials are expected to meet with U.S. defense counterparts to discuss the proposed adjustments to upcoming joint military exercises.
Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
South Korea court rejects arrest warrant for drone chief over operation in North Korea, Yonhap says
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Maj. Gen. Kim Yong-dae, chief of the Drone Operations Command, speaks to reporters upon arrival at the Seoul High Prosecutors Office on July 17. SEOUL - A South Korean court rejected prosecutors' request to issue an arrest warrant for the head of a military drone unit as part of an investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol and drone operations in North Korea, Yonhap news agency said on July 21. The Seoul Central District Court dismissed the special counsel's request, saying the arrest would 'excessively limit the suspect's right to defence', Yonhap reported. South Korean prosecutors on July 20 said they had sought court approval to detain the drone unit's chief Kim Yong-dae after indicting the jailed ex-President Yoon on July 19 on additional charges related to his short-lived declaration of martial law in December. Mr Kim was arrested on July 18 without a court warrant, media said. Prosecutors and police are permitted to make an 'emergency arrest' if they have a strong belief someone is guilty of a serious crime and may flee or destroy evidence. Prosecutors summoned Mr Kim last week regarding accusations that Yoon ordered a covert drone operation into the North in 2024 to inflame tensions between the neighbours and justify his martial law decree. Mr Kim told reporters the incident was part of a 'clandestine military operation' in response to trash balloons sent from the North and not intended to provoke the neighbouring nation. In October, North Korea said the South had sent drones to scatter anti-North Korea leaflets over Pyongyang, and published photos of the remains of a crashed South Korean military drone. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes into college campus Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore NTU introduces compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026 Singapore Fine, driving ban for bus driver who hit lorry in BKE crash, causing fractures to passenger Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip Singapore New research institute will grow S'pore's talent in nuclear energy, safety South Korea at the time declined to disclose whether it had sent the drones. REUTERS
Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
South Korea reviewing various options to improve North Korea ties, including tourist visits
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Tourism is one of a narrow range of cash sources for North Korea that are not targeted under United Nations sanctions over its nuclear and weapons programmes. SEOUL - South Korea is studying various plans to improve relations with North Korea, a spokesperson for South Korea's Unification Ministry said on July 21, in response to a media report that Seoul is considering allowing individual tours to North Korea. Mr Koo Byung-sam, a spokesperson for the ministry that handles inter-Korea affairs, refused to comment on a 'particular issue'. But, he said he understood individual tours were not in violation of international sanctions. Tourism is one of a narrow range of cash sources for North Korea that are not targeted under United Nations sanctions over its nuclear and weapons programmes. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to improve strained relations with Pyongyang that have reached their worst level in years. In a bid to ease tensions, Mr Lee suspended anti-North Korea loudspeaker broadcasts along the border and ordered a halt to leaflet campaigns criticising the North's leaders by anti-Pyongyang activists. The president has said he will discuss further plans with top security officials to resume dialogue with North Korea that is technically at war with the South. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Asia Japan PM Ishiba apologises to his party for election loss, vows to stay in office to deal with US tariff talks Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Proof & Company Spirits closes Singapore distribution business Singapore Malaysia-bound motorists urged to avoid Tuas Second Link on July 23 due to chemical spill exercise Singapore Mandai Wildlife Group group CEO Mike Barclay to retire; Bennett Neo named as successor Singapore Jail, caning for man who held metal rod to cashier's neck in failed robbery attempt Singapore Fresh charge for woman who harassed nurse during pandemic, created ruckus at lion dance competition North Korea recently opened a beach resort in the city of Wonsan, a flagship project driven by leader Kim Jong Un to promote tourism. But, the tourist area is temporarily not accepting foreign visitors, according to a July 16 note by DPR Korea Tour, a website operated by North Korea's National Tourism Administration. North Korea first needs to open the area to the outside world, the Unification Ministry spokesperson said, asked if South Koreans could travel to Wonsan. South Korea once ran tours to North Korea's Mount Kumgang area, but suspended them in 2008, when a South Korean tourist was shot dead by a North Korean soldier. REUTERS
West Australian
21-07-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
North Korea tours mooted as South looks to mend ties
South Korea is studying various plans to improve relations with North Korea, a spokesperson said in response to a media report that Seoul is considering allowing individual tours to North Korea. Koo Byung-sam, a spokesperson for South Korea's Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korea affairs, refused to comment on a "particular issue". But Koo said he understood individual tours were not in violation of international sanctions. Tourism is one of a narrow range of cash sources for North Korea that are not targeted under United Nations sanctions over its nuclear and weapons programs. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to improve strained relations with Pyongyang that have reached their worst level in years. In a bid to ease tensions, Lee suspended anti-North Korea loudspeaker broadcasts along the border and ordered a halt to leaflet campaigns criticising the North's leaders by anti-Pyongyang activists. The president has said he will discuss further plans with top security officials to resume dialogue with North Korea, which is technically at war with the South. North Korea recently opened a beach resort in the city of Wonsan, a flagship project driven by leader Kim Jong-un to promote tourism. But the tourist area is temporarily not accepting foreign visitors, according to a July 16 note by DPR Korea Tour, a website operated by North Korea's National Tourism Administration. North Korea first needs to open the area to the outside world, the Unification Ministry spokesperson said, when asked if South Koreans could travel to Wonsan. South Korea once ran tours to North Korea's Mount Kumgang area, but suspended them in 2008, when a South Korean tourist was shot dead by a North Korean soldier.
Perth Now
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
North Korea tours mooted as South looks to mend ties
South Korea is studying various plans to improve relations with North Korea, a spokesperson said in response to a media report that Seoul is considering allowing individual tours to North Korea. Koo Byung-sam, a spokesperson for South Korea's Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korea affairs, refused to comment on a "particular issue". But Koo said he understood individual tours were not in violation of international sanctions. Tourism is one of a narrow range of cash sources for North Korea that are not targeted under United Nations sanctions over its nuclear and weapons programs. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to improve strained relations with Pyongyang that have reached their worst level in years. In a bid to ease tensions, Lee suspended anti-North Korea loudspeaker broadcasts along the border and ordered a halt to leaflet campaigns criticising the North's leaders by anti-Pyongyang activists. The president has said he will discuss further plans with top security officials to resume dialogue with North Korea, which is technically at war with the South. North Korea recently opened a beach resort in the city of Wonsan, a flagship project driven by leader Kim Jong-un to promote tourism. But the tourist area is temporarily not accepting foreign visitors, according to a July 16 note by DPR Korea Tour, a website operated by North Korea's National Tourism Administration. North Korea first needs to open the area to the outside world, the Unification Ministry spokesperson said, when asked if South Koreans could travel to Wonsan. South Korea once ran tours to North Korea's Mount Kumgang area, but suspended them in 2008, when a South Korean tourist was shot dead by a North Korean soldier.
