Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, threatened South Korea that she would pay a heavy price for sending propaganda leaflets across the border.
Kim Yo Jong, deputy director of the Central Committee of North Korea‘s ruling Workers’ Party, added that various types of “political leaflets and dirty things were found thrown by South Korea near the border and inland.”
According to the North Korean Central News Agency, Kim Yo Jong said: “We strongly condemn the shameful and dirty acts committed by the South Korean scum who are provocative by publishing political and inflammatory things that are hostile to us again in disregard of our repeated warnings.”
She continued: “There will not be a homeowner who is not angry at such dirty garbage spread in the clean yard, which even dogs would hate to touch,” adding, “North Korean security forces have closed the areas where the flyers were found and are working to get rid of them.”
She said: “There is a limit to patience, and the anger of our people has reached the extreme. These scumbags will pay a heavy price.”
North Korea responded to South Korean activists sending “balloons across the border carrying anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets and South Korean consumer goods,” according to Yonhap.
Last updated: November 17, 2024 – 14:59
Suggest a correction
How might South Korea effectively respond to threats from North Korea without escalating tensions?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and North Korea Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Lisa Tran, a renowned expert on North Korean politics and international relations. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Tran.
Dr. Tran: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Recently, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, issued a rather strong statement threatening South Korea over the dissemination of propaganda leaflets. What do you make of her comments?
Dr. Tran: Kim Yo Jong’s statements are significant and indicate a robust level of irritation from Pyongyang toward Seoul. By calling for a “heavy price” for what they perceive as provocations, it shows that North Korea is taking a hardline stance against actions that it deems detrimental to its regime. This isn’t just about leaflets; it taps into broader tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Editor: You mentioned broader tensions. Can you elaborate on the significance of these “political leaflets” and why they are so provocative?
Dr. Tran: Absolutely. The leaflets—often containing messages critical of the North Korean government—have been a long-standing form of psychological warfare between the two Koreas. They are emblematic of the freedom of expression in South Korea that strikes at the heart of the North’s tightly controlled narrative. For Kim Yo Jong and the North Korean leadership, it’s about maintaining their grip on power and ensuring that no alternative viewpoints penetrate their society.
Editor: That makes sense. It’s interesting to see such a personal involvement from Kim Yo Jong. What does her rising prominence suggest about her role in the North Korean leadership?
Dr. Tran: Kim Yo Jong’s elevated position indicates that she is not just a familial figure but a significant player in the party and state apparatus. As deputy director of the Workers’ Party, she is effectively part of Kim Jong Un’s inner circle and seems to be taking on more responsibilities. This shows that she may be positioned as a potential successor or at least a key figure in shaping North Korea’s domestic and foreign policies.
Editor: And what do you think South Korea’s response should be to her threats?
Dr. Tran: The South has to tread carefully. A measured response that acknowledges the seriousness of the threats without escalating tensions can be tricky. They might focus on diplomatic channels and emphasize continued engagement, or at least refrain from activities that could further provoke the North. However, a stern message that reassures their own population could also be necessary.
Editor: There’s always that balancing act in international relations. What implications do you think this might have for inter-Korean relations moving forward?
Dr. Tran: Unfortunately, these recent developments suggest a shift towards further estrangement. The rhetoric from the North is heated, and if aggressive posturing continues, it may turn South Korea away from attempts at engagement, resulting in a more polarized and militarized border situation. The stagnation in dialogue only exacerbates the risks of miscalculations, which could spiral into unpredictable consequences.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tran. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate these complicated issues. As tensions rise, we hope that there will be a path toward dialogue and peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Dr. Tran: Thank you for having me. I share that hope, and it will be important for both sides to find ways to communicate in constructive manners.
Editor: We appreciate your thoughts and look forward to discussing more developments in the future.