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Thursday, 8 October 2026dailybeirut.com
World
Kim Yo Jong set strict conditions for improved relations, rejecting responsibility for a recent landmine incident in the DMZ.
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, issued a stern ultimatum on Thursday: South Korea must demonstrate "the utmost respect" toward Pyongyang if it genuinely seeks to restore diplomatic relations between the two Koreas. Her statement serves as a direct response to ongoing tensions following a landmine explosion that injured three South Korean soldiers in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) last month.
The demand comes after North Korea explicitly denied any involvement in the mine blast within the heavily fortified border zone. In the wake of the incident, the South Korean Ministry of Defense announced last week that officials are evaluating measures to compel Pyongyang to issue an official apology. The South Korean military characterized the explosion as a clear violation of the armistice agreement, stating it undermines the spirit of existing inter-Korean accords.
Despite these escalating security concerns, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung called for a return to dialogue with North Korea in early October. This political outreach contrasts sharply with the hardline stance taken by Kim Yo Jong, who insisted that reconciliation requires more than just verbal invitations.
In her written statement, Kim utilized the official abbreviated name for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). She argued that if Seoul truly desires the normalization of ties with the DPRK, it must account for the other side’s sentiments in every word and action. According to Kim, this begins with showing the highest degree of consideration, sincerity, and respect.
A joint investigation conducted by South Korea and the United Nations concluded that the injuries resulted from two landmines planted by North Korean forces approximately one year prior. Historical precedents indicate that landmine-related incidents in the DMZ have previously triggered significant spikes in tension between the divided peninsula.
