Ministry of Unification on 'Kim Yo-jong's Abusive Remarks': "Lacks Basic Courtesy"

"Attempted Anti-Government Incitement... Deeply Regrettable"

Ministry of Unification [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] The Ministry of Unification expressed strong regret over the 'vulgar remarks' made by Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea. Although there was speculation that the government might respond with a strong countermeasure, including a statement, due to Kim Yo-jong's crossing the line, the expression of regret was made in a somewhat restrained manner as an 'official position.'

Through the 'position' disclosed to reporters on the 24th, a Ministry of Unification official stated, "We deeply regret that Deputy Director Kim Yo-jong insulted our Head of State with low-level vulgar remarks and failed to show even basic courtesy."

He continued, "Despite the current tense situation on the Korean Peninsula being caused by North Korea's successive missile provocations, we strongly regret the attitude of shifting responsibility onto us as if the thief is beating the victim."

He added, "We strongly condemn the malicious attempt to incite anti-government struggles among our people and to shake the system. Our people will not sympathize with such attempts; rather, they should understand that this will only worsen perceptions of the North Korean authorities."

Earlier, Deputy Director Kim, in a statement opposing South Korea and the United States' push for independent sanctions against North Korea, argued, "It is beyond understanding why (South Korean) citizens just watch the 'regime' where Yoon Seok-yeol and those foolish idiots keep creating dangerous situations." She insisted, "At least when Moon Jae-in was in power, Seoul was not our target."

The government's decision not to respond with a statement or official remarks appears to be based on the judgment that Kim Yo-jong's statement was so poor and that there is no need to get entangled in North Korea's intention to incite internal conflict.

Moon Hong-sik, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, also dismissed the remarks at a regular briefing that day, saying, "How many people would agree with Kim Yo-jong's vulgar remarks? There would be none."