North Korean party official Kim Yo-jong accused UN Secretary-General António Guterres of echoing South Korea’s position when he urged renewed dialogue over border tensions. She defended Pyongyang’s fortification work as self-defence and blamed Seoul for disruption. Her response challenges the UN appeal to lower tensions around the demilitarised zone.
North Korean Workers’ Party official Kim Yo-jong criticised UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 10 November after his appeal for renewed dialogue over Korean border tensions. She accused him of adopting South Korea’s position and abandoning strict neutrality. The criticism came in a public statement responding to his concern about the demilitarised zone separating the two Koreas.[1], [2]
Kim, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, defended the North’s continuing border fortification work as self-defence against outside threats. She alleged that South Korea was obstructing defensive construction and shifting responsibility for tensions to Pyongyang. These accusations formed part of the statement carried by KCNA, North Korea’s official news agency.[1]
The UN chief, António Guterres, had urged a reduction in tensions and the resumption of dialogue. Kim argued that he should instead hold South Korea accountable for what she called military provocations. She warned that the UN chief would also bear responsibility if another incident occurred in the southern border area. Her statement criticised his approach as he neared the end of his term.[1]
