North Korea rejects South Korea’s peace efforts

Seoul

North Korea has firmly rejected efforts by South Korea’s new President Lee Jae Myung to improve relations, calling his peace offers meaningless and accusing him of siding blindly with the U.S. alliance. The response was delivered Monday by Kim Yo-Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

In her statement, Kim said Pyongyang has no interest in any policy from Seoul and ruled out talks completely. She criticized Lee for continuing confrontational policies and dismissed recent moves like halting anti-North broadcasts as unworthy of praise.

President Lee, who took office last month, has tried to ease tensions by stopping military-led propaganda broadcasts and asking civic groups to avoid sending anti-North leaflets. His administration has also hinted at inviting Kim Jong-un to a summit in October. But North Korea called that idea a "ridiculous delusion."

Kim warned that upcoming joint U.S.–South Korea military drills could worsen tensions and claimed Seoul was trying to shift blame for rising conflict. Her statement reflects the North's 2023 decision to treat South Korea as a hostile foreign country and to abandon reunification as a goal.

Experts say it’s too early to fully read North Korea’s intent. Some believe the strong words are a protest against the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises in August.

Despite the rejection, Seoul says it will continue pursuing peaceful cooperation. A government spokesperson said the Lee administration will respond calmly and consistently and will not abandon efforts to rebuild ties or maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula.