Pyongyang: Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has dismissed the possibility of improving relations with South Korea, despite recent diplomatic efforts made by the new South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

According to Deutsche Welle, Kim criticized Seoul's reliance on its alliance with Washington in the North's initial comments on Lee's administration. President Lee has expressed a desire to engage in talks with North Korea without any preconditions, following a period of deteriorating relations under his conservative predecessor.

Kim Yo Jong, speaking through the North's official Korean Central News Agency, asserted that the South should not anticipate any improvement in relations. She emphasized that the South's attempts to rectify past actions with "a few sentimental words" were misguided. Kim further reiterated that North Korea has no interest in any policies proposed by Seoul, nor does it see any reason for dialogue.

Despite recognizing South Korea's efforts, such as stopping loudspeaker broadcasts and banning propaganda leaflets, Kim stated that the Lee administration ultimately would not differ from previous ones. She also highlighted the South's military exercises with the US as a point of contention, viewing them as preparations for an invasion.

North Korea continues to reject dialogue with both South Korea and the US, focusing instead on enhancing its nuclear weapons program. This stance has persisted since the collapse of talks between Kim Jong Un and former US President Donald Trump in 2019. In response to North Korea's rejection, South Korea acknowledged the persistent mistrust resulting from years of antagonistic policies.

Seoul perceives North Korea's response as closely watching Lee's North Korea policy. As tensions persist, the Korean Peninsula remains technically at war, with the Korean War having ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.