Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, criticized UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, asserting he “should not lose impartiality” in his response to Pyongyang’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch.
North Korea officially “rejected” Guterres’ condemnation, which called the missile test a “clear violation” of UN Security Council resolutions. In her statement, published by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim expressed “strong dissatisfaction” with what she deemed an “unfair and prejudiced” stance against North Korea’s right to self-defense.
A UN spokesperson noted that Guterres has consistently urged de-escalation, adherence to Security Council resolutions, and resumption of dialogue.
Kim responded that North Korea would “never tolerate” actions threatening its security. North Korea’s Foreign Ministry also criticized the upcoming UN Security Council meeting called by the US and others to discuss the missile launch, stating that North Korea will intensify measures to counter “hostile forces” and maintain a regional balance of power.
North Korea recently announced it had launched the Hwasongpho-19, an “ultimate version” of its ICBM. In response, South Korea imposed sanctions on four North Korean organizations and 11 individuals, including China-based diplomat Choe Chol-min, for acquiring missile components. South Korea and the US also conducted a joint drone strike drill on Friday, marking their first such exercise.
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