Tensions Rise: Kim Yo Jong Criticizes South Korea's Dual Stance on Peace and Military Drills

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has cast a critical eye on South Korea's foreign policy approach. According to a report by state media KCNA, she condemned Seoul and its President Lee Jae Myung for portraying a 'dual personality'—professing desires for peace yet continuing military exercises with the United States.

The joint military drills, initiated by South Korea and its ally the U.S. this week, aim to address heightened North Korean nuclear threats. While Seoul and Washington maintain these exercises are strictly defensive, Pyongyang regularly lambasts them as provocations for war rehearsals.

Kim warned that President Lee is unlikely to sway the current trajectory of tensions. Her remarks align with Kim Jong Un's earlier statements that labeled the U.S.-South Korea drills a war provocation. North Korea's leadership continues to emphasize the urgency of bolstering its nuclear capabilities amid the escalating rhetoric.

(With inputs from agencies.)