Kim Yo Jong threatens UN chief over Korea border incident

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and one of the regime's most powerful voices, has launched a sharp attack on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, accusing him of bias and "irresponsible" conduct after he called on North and South Korea to restore communication channels following a landmine incident at the border.

The blast, which occurred last month in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, wounded three South Korean soldiers, two of them seriously, during a routine patrol. A joint investigation by the South Korean military and the UN Command concluded that the explosions were caused by anti-personnel mines planted by North Korea south of the Military Demarcation Line.

In a statement released through North Korea's state news agency, Kim accused Guterres of adopting a "corrupt and irresponsible position," claiming he had echoed Seoul's version of events without understanding the facts on the ground. She said the UN chief was amplifying South Korea's claims and providing backing for them instead of maintaining neutrality, and that his conduct was not contributing to easing tensions between the two states.

South Korea, citing the investigation's findings, accused Pyongyang of violating the armistice agreement and demanded an apology, the removal of the mines, and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (Photo: North Korea)

Pyongyang rejected the conclusions outright. North Korean officials said the accusations were fabricated and designed to damage the country and obstruct its efforts to strengthen defenses along the border.

In recent years, North Korea has been conducting an extensive fortification operation along its southern frontier. Military forces have been clearing areas, erecting anti-vehicle barriers, paving military roads and planting landmines. Pyongyang presents the work as part of the country's right to defend itself.

Tensions have also risen following reports of North Korean soldiers approaching the demarcation line during fortification work, prompting the South Korean military to issue warnings and fire warning shots.

The world's most fortified border: rare footage reveals North Korea's DMZ (Photo: social media)

Guterres called on both countries to restore communication channels, including direct military contacts, in order to prevent unintended incidents and a slide into broader confrontation. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the Secretary-General was concerned about the possibility of the situation spiraling out of control, and that renewed dialogue was the way to reduce the risks.

But the appeal infuriated Kim Yo Jong. She accused Guterres of double standards, claiming that while he criticizes North Korea's actions, he remains silent in the face of military activity by the United States and its allies.

She went on to warn that if South Korean military operations in the border area lead to a serious incident, the UN Secretary-General would not be able to disclaim responsibility for the consequences.

Kim Yo Jong, the younger sister of leader Kim Jong Un, is considered one of the most senior and influential figures in the North Korean regime. She frequently serves as Pyongyang's official spokesperson on foreign affairs, particularly regarding relations with South Korea and the United States.