Kim Yo-jong, deputy director of the North Korean Labor Party, downplayed the South Korean government's measures to ease tensions with the North and made it clear that they would maintain a hostile stance.
On the 14th, Deputy Kim stated in a statement titled "The hope of Seoul is nothing but a foolish dream" published through the Korean Central News Agency that "Our position regarding the perilous and shabby state that constantly poses safety threats should be made clearer, and it must be expressed and permanently embedded in our national legislation that South Korea is the most hostile threat force in its identity."
In response to President Lee Jae-myung's comments on the 12th that "the North is also removing some loudspeakers," Deputy Kim refuted, saying it was "groundless speculation and a manipulation of public opinion," and stated, "We have never removed loudspeakers, nor do we have any intention to do so."
Earlier, the Joint Chiefs of Staff announced on the 9th that in response to our loudspeaker removal work, the North had also removed some loudspeakers directed at the South, but it was reported that the actual number of places where loudspeakers were removed was only a small fraction of over 40.
Deputy Kim also said about the adjustment of the upcoming regular joint exercise "Eulji Freedom Shield" (UFS), starting on the 18th, that it is "not worth evaluating and a fruitless effort."
He added, "Whether South Korea removes loudspeakers, suspends broadcasts, delays, or reduces training, we do not care and have no interest."
He further noted, "We have repeatedly stated that we have no intention to improve relations with Korea, our loyal servant of the United States and faithful ally, and this conclusive position and viewpoint will be embedded in our constitution in the future."
Deputy Kim denied the possibility of resuming North American dialogue in conjunction with the scheduled summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 15th, saying, "There's no chance we will sit face-to-face with the U.S."
He stated, "There will be no reflection of the friendship between the top leaders of North Korea and the U.S. in policy. If the U.S. clings to outdated thinking, meetings between the leaders will remain merely a hope of the U.S."