Sister of the North Korean leader calls South Korea 'scum'
The influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called South Korea "scum" in connection with the latest balloon leaflet actions and threatened retaliation. According to the North Korean news agency KCNA, Kim Yo Jong was informed that the latest batch of "dirty leaflets" was found on North Korean territory along the border. Seoul must be prepared to pay "a very high price".
Despite repeated warnings, South Korea continued to "play this crude and dirty game", Kim Yo Jong reportedly added. The North Korean army will now "carry out a comprehensive search, burn and dispose of the found waste".
In the past few weeks, South Korea has reacted strongly to hundreds of balloons filled with trash that North Korea sent over the border. They contained items such as cigarette butts, plastic, animal waste, and toilet paper. In response, South Korean activists sent balloons with leaflets and USB sticks over the border into the neighboring country.
Due to the increased tensions, South Korea suspended the military agreement with North Korea from 2018. The agreement aims to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula and prevent unintended escalation, especially along the heavily fortified border. Additionally, the Seoul government resumed propaganda broadcasts over loudspeakers along the border.
The relations between North and South Korea are currently at a low point. North Korea's leader Kim announced the expansion of weapons development - including tactical nuclear weapons. In response, South Korea and the USA strengthened their defense cooperation.
- Despite Kim Yo Jong's sister's harsh words, calling South Korea "scum" due to the handbills actions, South Korean activists persisted in sending balloons filled with leaflets and USB sticks over the border.
- Because of the escalating tensions caused by the handbills actions, South Korea has chosen to suspend the military agreement with North Korea from 2018, aiming to prevent any unintentional escalation.
- In response to North Korea's sister's threat of retaliation because of the South's handbill actions, the South Korean government has decided to resume propaganda broadcasts over loudspeakers along the border.
