President Lee, who took office on June 4, had moved quickly to ease tensions by reversing several provocative policies of the previous government. These included halting propaganda loudspeakers along the border, banning leaflet campaigns, and discontinuing shortwave broadcasts targeting the North. Nonetheless, Kim Yo-jong said such actions were “not worthy of appreciation,” maintaining that nothing fundamental had changed.

She cited the South’s military cooperation with the United States and the continuation of joint drills as proof that the new government remained aligned with the “hostile” policies of its predecessor. “No matter what policy is adopted and whatever proposal is made in Seoul, we have no interest in it,” she said in a statement carried by North Korean state media.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry responded by expressing disappointment, while a government spokesperson said the North’s rejection only underscored the current depth of distrust between the two Koreas.

Alliance With Russia Reduces Pyongyang’s Incentive For Talks

Observers say the growing military and political ties between North Korea and Russia have further weakened Pyongyang’s interest in diplomacy with either Seoul or Washington. In recent months, North Korea has sent arms and even troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine under a revived Cold War-era alliance.

Since 2020, North Korea has sharply reduced communication with South Korea, destroying the inter-Korean liaison office in Kaesong and abandoning reunification as a policy goal. Kim Jong-un declared that Seoul is no longer a partner but an enemy to be subdued by force if war erupts.

Kim Yo-jong’s statement also dismissed speculation that Kim might attend the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. She criticized Seoul’s “daydream” of his participation and gave no indication of plans to resume dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in renewing contact.

President Lee has vowed to uphold South Korea’s security ties with Washington and Tokyo while continuing to seek de-escalation with Pyongyang. However, the North’s latest statement signals that such efforts may be rebuffed for the foreseeable future.