Kim Yo-jong: "US 'Interesting Signal,' Wrong Expectations"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Kim Yo-jong, Vice Department Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, on the 22nd, rebutted the White House's characterization of the message to the U.S. announced by Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party, at the plenary meeting as an "interesting signal," calling it a "misguided expectation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In a statement released through the Korean Central News Agency on the afternoon of the same day, Vice Director Kim said, "I heard reports that the U.S. White House National Security Advisor stated that our Party Central Committee's plenary meeting's stance toward the U.S., declared this time, is regarded as an interesting signal."

She continued, "There is a Korean proverb that says 'the interpretation is more important than the dream,'" adding, "It seems the U.S. is probably interpreting it in a way that comforts itself." She further added, "Having misguided expectations will only lead them to greater disappointment."

Earlier, Jake Sullivan, U.S. White House National Security Advisor, in an interview with ABC News on the 20th (local time), regarding the message to the U.S. from General Secretary Kim at the Party plenary meeting that "we must be prepared for both dialogue and confrontation," called it an "interesting signal" and said he is waiting for a clear signal from North Korea on whether it will engage in dialogue.