Seoul, April 9 (Yonhap) — Kim Yo-jong, a high-ranking official within North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, has issued a scathing denouncement of the recent joint statement by the foreign ministers of South Korea, the United States, and Japan reaffirming their commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. In a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Tuesday, Kim characterized the trilateral call as the most serious hostile act against North Korea.
This marks Kim’s first public statement in over a month, following her previous criticism of the U.S. aircraft carrier’s visit to South Korea on March 3.
Kim’s statement unequivocally rejects the concept of North Korean denuclearization, dismissing it as an unrealistic fantasy. She asserted that North Korea’s status as a nuclear power is a necessary choice resulting from external threats and evolving global security dynamics. Furthermore, she declared that this status would not be shaken by any denial from outside forces.
Demanding that North Korea abandon its nuclear program and attempting to revive the concept of ‘denuclearization’ is tantamount to denying North Korea’s sovereignty and forcing it to abandon its constitution and system, Kim stated. She argued that such demands constitute the most serious hostile act.
Kim further warned that if the United States and its allies persist in clinging to the outdated notion of denuclearization, it will only legitimize North Korea’s efforts to strengthen its self-defensive nuclear capabilities.
Conclusion:
Kim Yo-jong’s strong condemnation highlights the deep chasm between North Korea and the U.S., South Korea, and Japan regarding the issue of denuclearization. Her statement underscores North Korea’s unwavering commitment to its nuclear arsenal and suggests that further pressure from the international community may only serve to reinforce its resolve. This development poses a significant challenge to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Korean Peninsula’s security crisis. The path forward requires a nuanced understanding of North Korea’s motivations and a willingness to explore alternative approaches to de-escalation and dialogue.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, April 9). 金与正发文谴责韩美日外长重申朝鲜无核化意志 [Kim Yo-jong Condemns Trilateral Call for Denuclearization]. Retrieved from [Insert original URL here if available, otherwise omit]
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