Security Strategy Institute "14 out of 21 Statements Contain Vivid Expressions"
[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] An analysis of statements by Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of North Korea, revealed a tendency to unleash harsh language or severe criticism when perceiving situations as threats to the regime.
According to the National Security Strategy Institute on the 2nd, Deputy Researcher Kim Jong-won stated in the report "Analysis of North Korean Kim Yo-jong's Statements" that "Kim Yo-jong issued statements containing direct and severe criticism when she perceived situations as threatening to the North Korean regime."
Deputy Researcher Kim classified and analyzed 21 statements issued by Deputy Director Kim from March 2020 to the 24th of last month based on categories such as 'use of harsh expressions,' 'follow-up actions,' and 'target audience.' Among all statements, 14 were found to contain 'harsh expressions,' meaning exactly two-thirds were so-called 'harsh language statements.'
Looking at the most recent statement on the 24th of last month, Deputy Director Kim said, "(South Korean) people do not understand why the regime, where fools like Yoon Seok-yeol have taken over, keeps creating dangerous situations, yet they just watch silently," adding, "Still, when Moon Jae-in was in power, at least Seoul was not our target," threatening the South. This went beyond blaming the South for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula and provoked South Korean public opinion, effectively urging opposition to the regime.
The seven statements that did not include harsh or severe expressions were positive or simply expressed opinions, such as "President Trump's letter of thanks" and "Statements on former President Moon Jae-in's proposal for a declaration to end the war."
On the other hand, statements issued in response to issues threatening the North Korean regime included harsh language along with high-level threats and warnings. These included statements responding to the distribution of leaflets to North Korea, South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, and preemptive strike remarks. In particular, such statements were sometimes followed by practical or military actions such as cutting off inter-Korean communication channels or blowing up the inter-Korean joint liaison office.
Deputy Researcher Kim emphasized, "Kim Yo-jong holds a position representing Kim Jong-un's stance within the North Korean regime," adding, "Kim Yo-jong's statements carry the importance and meaning of Kim Jong-un's position, so they deserve attention."
He further suggested, "Rather than responding to every statement by Kim Yo-jong, it is more effective to respond selectively and appropriately according to importance and necessity," advising, "It is necessary to refrain from low-level retaliatory responses."
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