Kim Yo-jong, the Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, mocked South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's message on military tension reduction on October 2, calling it the "peak of a farce." She reiterated North Korea's denial of responsibility for a landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and emphasized her stance on severing ties with South Korea permanently.
In a statement released through the Korean Central News Agency, Kim asserted, "The enemy is indeed the enemy," claiming that this is a significant conclusion drawn from Seoul's latest self-created farce.
She specifically targeted President Yoon's remarks during the National Armed Forces Day ceremony the previous day, where he pledged to continue practical measures to lower military tensions. Kim derided this commitment, stating, "It truly is a scene from a farce that is too good to miss." She added, "It seems the second act of this self-created farce has begun, indicating a desire to play the role of a righteous protagonist."
Kim also expressed defiance against the military's investigation results and demands for an apology. She criticized South Korea for hastily concluding that the cause of the incident was due to "covert and intentional landmine placement," calling it an "absurd conclusion." She condemned the demand for an official statement and apology as "ridiculous."
She questioned, "Why would we have any reason to be involved with South Korea?" and emphasized that North Korea's fortification of its border aims to sever ties with the South.
Kim stated, "The goal is to ensure that we never have to face South Korea again, to the point where even wild animals cannot cross the border. Our greatest wish is to cut ties forever with those who only bring trouble when we meet."
She further asserted, "We will not allow any minor space or opportunity for engagement with South Korea in any form."
Kim accused South Korea of provoking by shifting blame onto North Korea, demanding an immediate cessation of actions that tarnish the image of her country. She concluded her statement with a threat, suggesting that those who have invested effort into scripting, directing, and acting in this farce should receive costly accolades.
Earlier, President Yoon had stated during the 78th Armed Forces Day ceremony held at Gyeryongdae in South Chungcheong Province that he would consistently pursue practical measures to lower military tensions between the North and South. He urged North Korea to return to dialogue and wished for the swift recovery of soldiers injured in a "tragic incident" in the DMZ, extending condolences to their families.
The Ministry of National Defense and the military had previously determined that the incident was caused by landmines planted by North Korean forces.
Defense Minister Kang Shin-cheol explained during a National Assembly Defense Committee meeting on September 29 that the North Korean landmines discovered at the incident site were not lost but rather planted. He stated, "It is clear that this is a violation of the armistice agreement, and North Korea is responsible, so we will take appropriate measures."
The Joint Chiefs of Staff also released an official statement on September 30, confirming that soldiers conducting a normal search operation south of the Military Demarcation Line on September 21 suffered serious injuries from North Korean landmines.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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