The Presidential Office of South Korea has asked this Friday the regime of Pyongyang to put an end to its "derogatory comments" against Seoul, after Kim Yo Jong, sister of the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, mocked President Lee Jae Myung for the decision to reduce joint military exercises with the United States.
"The derogatory comments towards our Government and president do not help foster mutual trust. We urge the North to put an end to unnecessary criticism and to move forward together towards peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula," the South Korean Presidency stated in a press release.
The words of the sister of the North Korean leader came as she accused Seoul of being "in a lamentable situation" for having to suspend "the war games that it loves so much," in direct reference to the joint military exercises with Washington.
These maneuvers have been cut back after U.S. President Donald Trump defended a few days ago a shift in strategy aimed at favoring a peaceful rapprochement between Seoul and Pyongyang.
In her criticisms, Kim also reproached the South Korean leader for making "double standard statements," referring to the messages in which Lee said he respected the reduction of military exercises while promising, at the same time, to promote an "independent development of military capabilities" of South Korea.
The Presidential Office has again emphasized its "commitment" to the political line announced by Lee, focused on a diplomatic approach to North Korea to achieve peaceful coexistence between both Koreas, supported by "mutual trust."
In addition, the Blue House has highlighted that, as a "directly involved party" in the peace agreements, the South Korean government will continue to coordinate closely with Washington and will deploy active initiatives to favor the resumption of dialogue between North Korea and the U.S., assuming the role of "leader that sets the pace."