Kim Yo-jong rejects denuclearization talks while signaling that personal relations between the leaders of North Korea and the United States remain stable. On Tuesday, she made a rare public statement addressing the possibility of future dialogue with Washington.
Kim, a key figure in the North Korean government, said the relationship between the North’s leader and the US president is “not bad.” However, she clarified that such ties should not be misunderstood as a sign that denuclearization talks are back on the table.
She firmly stated that North Korea will not accept discussions aimed at giving up its nuclear weapons. Kim Yo-jong emphasized that treating leader-to-leader relations as a diplomatic lever for denuclearization disrespects her country’s position. She called it a “mockery” to believe such talks would succeed without rethinking their goals.
The comments follow reports that the current US administration remains open to reengaging with North Korea. Although past meetings between the two nations brought global attention, no agreements materialized. The 2019 Hanoi summit, for instance, collapsed over disagreements regarding sanctions and nuclear steps.
Kim noted that the year 2025 is far different from 2018 or 2019. She stated that North Korea must now be acknowledged as a nuclear-armed country. Kim Yo-jong rejects denuclearization talks and insists that the world accept this reality.
She warned that ignoring North Korea’s nuclear status could push both countries further into confrontation. Instead, she urged Washington to explore new diplomatic approaches that reflect current realities.
In Seoul, South Korea’s unification ministry reiterated support for US-North Korea dialogue. Officials said both nations remain committed to peaceful negotiation. Meanwhile, the foreign ministry stressed that complete denuclearization is still the ultimate goal.
Experts believe Kim’s message shuts the door on nuclear negotiations but leaves room for alternative discussions. The timing also reflects Pyongyang’s growing partnership with Russia, allowing North Korea to bypass sanctions more easily.
In conclusion, Kim Yo-jong rejects denuclearization talks yet calls for renewed engagement. She urges the United States to consider a diplomatic reset as tensions evolve.
