(DDM) – Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has ridiculed South Korean claims that Pyongyang is dismantling some of its border loudspeakers.
Her remarks came after South Korea’s military reported detecting the removal of certain devices, days after Seoul dismantled its own front-line propaganda speakers in an effort to reduce tensions.
DDM gathered that Kim dismissed the claim as baseless, suggesting the South Korean government was clinging to false hopes of renewed diplomacy between the long-divided rivals.
She reiterated North Korea’s position that it has no interest in resuming stalled negotiations with Seoul or Washington.
Kim cited the upcoming joint military drills between the United States and South Korea as evidence of what Pyongyang sees as continued hostility.
The loudspeaker systems have long been symbolic of the decades-old conflict, with both sides using them for propaganda and psychological warfare along the heavily fortified border.
DDM notes that South Korea has occasionally halted broadcasts during periods of dialogue, only to resume them when relations sour.
Analysts say Kim Yo Jong’s latest remarks are consistent with North Korea’s pattern of rejecting talks ahead of allied military exercises.
They also note that her mocking tone signals Pyongyang’s unwillingness to respond positively to Seoul’s conciliatory gestures.
The joint exercises, scheduled to begin soon, are expected to draw sharp criticism from Pyongyang, which views them as rehearsals for invasion.
Observers believe the verbal exchanges over loudspeakers are part of a broader strategic game, with both nations using symbolic moves to send messages without escalating into direct military confrontation.
Despite Seoul’s efforts to ease tensions, DDM reports that North Korea’s rhetoric suggests the divide between the two remains as deep as ever.
