Kim Jong Un’s sister slams Seoul over questioning zero-virus claim

The influential sister of North Korean chief Kim Jong Un lambasted South Korea’s international minister for questioning the North’s declare to be coronavirus free, warning Wednesday of potential penalties for the feedback.

South Korean international minister Kang Kyung-wha stated over the weekend that it’s onerous to consider North Korea’s declare that there was no virus outbreak on its soil. She added that the North has been unresponsive to South Korea’s supply for cooperation to collectively deal with the pandemic.

The North Korean chief’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, responded in an announcement carried by state media.

“It can be seen from the reckless remarks made by her without any consideration of the consequences that she is too eager to further chill the frozen relations between North and South Korea,” she stated.

“Her real intention is very clear. We will never forget her words and she might have to pay dearly for it,” Kim stated.

The remarks present how delicate North Korea is to what it considers any exterior try and tarnish its picture as its guards in opposition to the pandemic and the financial fallout.

Despite its zero-virus case declare, North Korea’s state media have repeatedly stated there’s a “maximum emergency” anti-epidemic marketing campaign during which it has closed its worldwide borders, flown out diplomats and remoted residents with suspected signs.

The North’s border closure with China, it’s greatest buying and selling accomplice, is wrecking its already fragile economic system. The North has admitted it’s dealing with “multiple crises” as a result of pandemic, a spate of pure disasters final summer season and chronic US-led sanctions imposed over its nuclear programme.

Experts have stated a significant illness outbreak in North Korea may trigger a humanitarian catastrophe due to its fragile well being care system.

South Korea’s international minister informed a discussion board in Bahrain on Saturday that the pandemic had “made North Korea more North Korea — that is, more closed, very top-down decision-making process where there is very little debate on their measures in dealing with COVID-19”.

“They still say they do not have any cases, which is hard to believe,” Kang stated. “So, all signs are the regime is very intensely focused on controlling the disease that they say they do not have.” Also this week, US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun is in Seoul for talks on North Korea and different points.

South Korea’s spy company lately informed lawmakers that Kim Jong Un had ordered diplomats abroad to chorus from any acts that might provoke Washington as a result of it’s apprehensive about President-elect Joe Biden’s anticipated new method towards North Korea.

Some observers say North Korea may nonetheless do one thing provocative to strive to attract Biden’s consideration and create the necessity to restart stalled nuclear talks during which it may win concessions.