Seoul: North Korea has declared its disinterest in engaging with South Korea and dismissed any dialogue proposals, as stated by Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This announcement was reported by state-run media.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kim Yo Jong, who holds the position of deputy department director of the Publicity and Information Department of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, criticized the administration of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. She accused the administration of maintaining a hostile stance despite its calls for engagement. Kim remarked that since President Lee took office, his approach has not differed from his predecessor's, as he continues to align closely with the South Korea-US alliance and pursue confrontation with North Korea.

Kim Yo Jong stressed that Pyongyang's position remains unchanged, regardless of Seoul's outreach efforts. She stated, "We are not interested in any policy or proposal put forward by Seoul, and there will be no chance of us sitting down with South Korea for any discussions."

In response, South Korea expressed its disappointment after the rejection of its proposal to restart dialogue. A senior presidential official, quoted by Yonhap News Agency, acknowledged the longstanding distrust between the two Koreas due to years of hostility. The official emphasized the government's commitment to taking necessary actions to ensure peace on the Korean Peninsula, aligning with the Lee Jae-myung administration's principle of establishing a state where there is no need for conflict.

The Lee administration, which began its term last month, has shown its intention to resume talks with North Korea in hopes of reducing tensions and promoting inter-Korean cooperation.