US State Department: "Kim Jong-un's Apology is a Helpful Measure"

'Kim Responds to Demands for Public Apology over Shooting of Missing Official at Sea
Focus Seems to Be on Potential Escalation into North Korea-US Conflict'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. Department of State evaluated North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's rare public apology regarding the incident in which a South Korean government official was shot dead in the West Sea as a "helpful measure."

On the 25th (local time), a State Department spokesperson responded in writing to Asia Economy's inquiry about Kim's apology, stating, "We are aware that North Korea has apologized and provided an explanation to South Korea." Earlier, Kim had sent a notification to the South expressing his "deep regret" and conveyed his apology.

Although the State Department did not specify the details of the "helpful measure," it appears to appreciate Kim's unusual public apology and implies that it could prevent deterioration not only in inter-Korean relations but also in North Korea-U.S. relations.

From the U.S. perspective, with the presidential election just over 40 days away, this incident is seen as potentially having a negative impact not only on inter-Korean tensions but also on North Korea-U.S. relations. There are ongoing speculations within U.S. circles that North Korea might conduct a show of force timed with the Workers' Party of Korea founding anniversary on the 10th of next month. This could pose a significant challenge to President Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election by touting diplomatic achievements such as halting North Korea's nuclear weapons development and long-range missile launches.

The State Department's description of the incident as a "helpful measure" can be interpreted as addressing these concerns.

The State Department also expressed "deep condolences to the family and friends of the slain South Korean official," and stated, "We fully support our ally South Korea's condemnation of this incident and its demand for a complete explanation from North Korea."

Following its previous full support for the Blue House's demand for an explanation from North Korea regarding the incident, the State Department reiterated the same position on this day.