A defiant statement from the powerful sister of Kim Jong Un was aimed both at the United States and South Korea over the hostility of their military games, amid their last-minute changes to the length of their annual “war games.”
North Korea remains on guard
Kim Yo-jong said that while the military drills of neighboring South Korea and the US had sudden changes, particularly in their usual duration, her country remains skeptical of the true intention of Washington in pushing for peaceful dialogue with North Korea.
She emphasized that the military drills of US and South Korean troops remain hostile and were an attempt to challenge the sovereignty of North Korea.
Kim was referring to this year’s Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise that was surprisingly cut by six days from the initially intended schedule, with South Korea saying that the move was due to the “proposal of the US side,” while further adjustments are still being discussed.
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Kim Yo-jong mocks Seoul’s ‘pitiable’ situation
Kim did not spare the South Korean government, saying that it had entered into an awkward situation in balancing Seoul’s attempt to establish an independent military might while remaining under the influence of the US.
She said that the “pitiable” situation of South Korea was an “evident disaster” that reflects the unpredictability of the US even to its closest allies.
Kim added that the move of the US was a clear indication that its security aid for its allies comes with a price.
US President Donald Trump lashed out at his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jae Myung, amid the lack of military support that Seoul has provided to the US amid its war with Iran. He added that the military drill in South Korea became a financial burden for the US, hence the decision to cut short the UFS drill by six days.
No knowledge of looming talks between her brother and Trump
Kim also admitted that she was unaware of alleged plans for yet another landmark talk between the North Korean leader and Trump.
Her statements were in line with Trump’s recent claims that he had set up plans to meet Kim Jong Un later in 2026. However, he did not disclose further details.
Despite strong words against Washington, Kim Yo-jong emphasized that both leaders have established a great relationship with one another, even claiming that her brother had “great memories and feelings” towards the Republican leader.
Trump and Kim Jong Un first met in Singapore in 2018, where the two briefly discussed denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, although plans have yet to unfold. They met once again in 2019 when Trump became the first US leader to cross the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
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