Ministry of Unification: "Kim Jong-un's Letter Consoles Our People... Unrelated to Criticism of Kim Yo-jong"

"No Need to Link the Two Cases"
"Comprehensive Consideration Needed for North Korea Quarantine Support"

On the 2nd, Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, supervised a firepower strike drill of the long-range artillery unit at the front, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 3rd.

On the 6th, the Ministry of Unification stated that there is no need to interpret the two cases as connected, regarding North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un sending a letter to President Moon Jae-in just one day after his younger sister, Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the Workers' Party, harshly criticized the Blue House in a statement.

Cho Hye-sil, deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Unification, said at a regular briefing held at the Government Seoul Office Building that "it is not appropriate to mention intentions regarding the exchange of letters between heads of state," but added, "Chairman Kim's letter was a gesture of consolation to our people who are suffering due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and there is no need to link it to the relationship between the two."

Earlier, on the night of the 3rd, First Deputy Director Kim Yo-jong released a provocative statement titled "Expressing shock at the Blue House's idiotic way of thinking." She attacked the Blue House using harsh expressions such as "foolish," "idiotic," and "scared dog." Then, on the 4th, Chairman Kim sent a letter to President Moon conveying condolences related to COVID-19. The messages from North Korea, swinging between extremes, have led to varied interpretations.

Deputy Spokesperson Cho said, "The government’s position remains unchanged in its efforts to promptly resume denuclearization negotiations through dialogue with mutual respect and to promote the Korean Peninsula peace process."

In response to a question about whether preparations are underway for COVID-19-related quarantine cooperation with North Korea, he said, "The government basically recognizes that 'inter-Korean quarantine cooperation is necessary,'" but added, "However, so far, there have been no requests for support from North Korea or specific discussions related to inter-Korean cooperation."

He continued, "We will make judgments in a comprehensive manner considering the domestic COVID-19 situation, the situation in North Korea, and trends in international support going forward."

Meanwhile, the Blue House announced on the 5th that President Moon and Chairman Kim exchanged letters regarding the COVID-19 situation.

This was the first exchange of letters between the two leaders this year. Chairman Kim sent a letter to President Moon the previous day, and President Moon sent a reply expressing gratitude on the same day, the Blue House said.

Yoon Do-han, senior secretary for public communication at the Blue House, announced the exchange of letters between the two heads of state during a briefing and said, "Chairman Kim conveyed his condolences to our people fighting the COVID-19 virus in his letter."

In the letter, Chairman Kim mentioned, "I believe (South Korea) will definitely overcome this," and "I hope the precious health of our southern compatriots will be protected."

Senior Secretary Yoon also introduced, "Chairman Kim expressed concern for President Moon’s health and his regret over the situation where he can only offer his thoughts. He quietly pledged to support President Moon in overcoming the COVID-19 virus and sent unwavering friendship and trust to President Moon."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.