North Korea is demanding what it calls “utmost respect” from South Korea as tensions between the two countries deepen over a landmine explosion that injured three South Korean soldiers.
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said on Thursday that Seoul must change its approach if it wants to improve relations with Pyongyang.
The remarks came days after South Korea demanded an apology from the North over the September 21 blast in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), the heavily fortified buffer separating the two countries.
North Korea rejects blame
North Korea has denied responsibility for the explosion, despite findings from a joint investigation by South Korea and the US-led United Nations Command.
South Korean authorities concluded that North Korean mines placed south of the Military Demarcation Line caused the blast. The United Nations Command said the incident amounted to a violation of the 1953 Armistice Agreement.
Pyongyang has rejected those findings and accused Seoul of provoking tensions.
Kim Yo Jong calls for respect
Kim Yo Jong said Seoul must be careful in both its words and actions if it genuinely wants to restore relations.
“If they truly wish to restore relations between the DPRK and South Korea, they should be mindful of the other side’s feelings in every word and deed, and first demonstrate the utmost respect, consideration and sincerity,” she said.
She also warned that actions by Seoul could be viewed by Pyongyang as a challenge to its sovereignty.
Seoul seeks an apology
South Korea’s military has called for a formal apology from Pyongyang over the mine blast.
Two soldiers suffered serious injuries while a third was also hurt in the September incident. South Korea has said the mines were deliberately placed by North Korean forces.
The North, however, continues to deny involvement and has previously warned of retaliation if South Korean forces take military action.
The dispute comes as Seoul prepares humanitarian assistance for North Korea.
South Korea recently secured a United Nations sanctions exemption to send medical equipment, including supplies intended to support healthcare facilities in the North. Kim Yo Jong dismissed the initiative as politically motivated rather than genuine humanitarian assistance.
The aid plan is aimed at addressing some of the North’s longstanding healthcare needs, but Pyongyang has shown little interest in accepting Seoul’s overtures.
Dialogue remains uncertain
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s government has continued to call for dialogue and lower military tensions along the border.
But Pyongyang has repeatedly signaled that it does not currently see improved relations with Seoul as a priority. Analysts say North Korea appears more focused on its relationship with Washington and its growing ties with Russia.
The latest exchange highlights the difficulty of reviving dialogue between the two Koreas, even as Seoul continues to seek ways to reduce tensions on one of the world’s most heavily militarised borders.
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