The presidential office said on the 20th that Kim Yo-jong, the Deputy Director of North Korea's Workers' Party, stated that she does not recognize Lee Jae-myung's government as a diplomatic counterpart, adding, "The government will surely open a new era of peaceful coexistence and joint growth on the Korean Peninsula, leaving behind the era of hostility and confrontation." However, regarding the North's hostile expressions such as 'delusions and fantasies' and 'not a great person who can change the course of history,' it expressed "regret."
In a statement distributed to the media on the same day, the presidential office stated, "The proactive measures for peace on the Korean Peninsula by the Lee Jae-myung government are not actions taken with the benefit of one side in mind, but a process for the stability and prosperity of both the North and the South." It particularly noted, "It is regrettable that the North authorities distort our sincere efforts."
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim noted that the day before, he held a meeting with major directors of the Foreign Ministry and conveyed Chairman Kim Jong-un's foreign policy vision. At this meeting, he directly mentioned President Lee Jae-myung, stating, "Lee Jae-myung is not a great person who can change the course of history."
Kim noted, "It is clear that since the Lee Jae-myung regime has taken office, there has been an earnest effort to show that something has changed in improving inter-Korean relations," and added, "However, no matter how much the underlying confrontational intentions are wrapped in a floral gift of peace, the prick in the sack cannot be hidden."
He went on to mention President Lee's remark during a cabinet meeting on the 18th, where he said, "If small actions pile up like pebbles, mutual trust will be restored," commenting that if one were to evaluate that idea, every single part and clause is 'delusional and fantasy.' He also stated, "Korea cannot be a diplomatic counterpart to our country."