Kim Yo-jong's Tone Softens in Statement... "Namjosun Is the Same Nation, No Bullets Will Be Fired" (Summary)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Yo-jong, Vice Director of the Workers' Party of North Korea, stated in a statement on the 5th that "we will not fire a single bullet aimed at South Korea." Although there was a warning targeting Defense Minister Seo Wook's 'preemptive strike,' the level of criticism was significantly lower compared to the statement two days earlier.

In the statement released through Korean Central News Agency on the same day, Kim said, "We do not view South Korea as a military adversary."

He emphasized, "This is not a perspective based on military comparison with a pure nuclear-armed state, but because we are the same people who should not fight each other," adding, "We oppose war."

This marks a significant reduction in tone compared to the statement issued on the 3rd, which included harsh criticism and warned that "the South could face a serious threat."

Regarding Minister Seo's remark about a "preemptive pinpoint strike," North Korea still defined it as a preemptive strike against them and criticized it as "delusion" and "the reckless act of a madman." However, considering that in the statement on the 3rd, Seo was called "trash," "a confrontation fanatic," and "a madman," the level of criticism has relatively decreased.

Kim stressed, "If the armies of both sides fight each other, regardless of who wins or loses in war or battle, our entire nation will suffer wounds as deep as half a century ago, or even deeper," and added, "We clearly oppose such a war."

Nevertheless, he hinted at a nuclear retaliation by stating, "If South Korea, for any reason, even by misjudgment, takes military action such as the preemptive strike mentioned by Seo Wook, the situation will change."

Kim warned, "If South Korea chooses military confrontation with us, inevitably our nuclear combat forces will have to carry out their mission. If it comes to this, a terrifying attack will be launched, and the South Korean military must bear a tragic fate close to annihilation and destruction. This is by no means a threat."

Kim criticized Seo's remarks, saying, "I think it might have been an occasion where they (the South) wanted to introduce to their people how well-prepared their military is," but added, "However, for someone who represents the military to call us enemies and talk about 'preemptive strikes' is an irreparable and very serious mistake."

Kim Yo-jong's statement on this day was published not only in the external media outlet Korean Central News Agency but also in the Rodong Sinmun, which residents can see.