Powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim rejects outreach by South’s new president

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, dismissed South Korea’s recent diplomatic efforts, stating North Korea has no interest in talks regardless of proposals. Despite acknowledging South Korea’s “sincere efforts,” she criticized its continued alliance with the U.S. and upcoming joint military drills. North Korea remains focused on its growing ties with Russia amid the Ukraine war and is unlikely to return to diplomacy unless those ties weaken, the Associated Press has reported. Analysts suggest Pyongyang aims to resist South Korean influence and justify treating the South as a hostile foreign state.