Seoul: North Korea has dismissed recent conciliatory moves from South Korea, calling them unrealistic and ineffective. Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said Pyongyang has never dismantled its border loudspeakers and has no plans to do so, countering claims from Seoul that the North had taken steps to ease tensions. She described South Korea’s optimism about improved ties as a “pipedream” and accused the government in Seoul of miscalculating the situation.

Her remarks also targeted the recent adjustments to the joint U.S.–South Korea military drills, which were partially postponed in an effort to reduce friction. Kim insisted that the exercises still reflect hostile intent, rendering any gestures meaningless. She further ruled out the possibility of talks with the United States, dismissing speculation about renewed diplomacy as baseless.

Since taking office in June 2025, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has implemented several measures aimed at thawing relations, including halting propaganda broadcasts along the border, dismantling some loudspeakers, banning activist-led leaflet campaigns into the North, and delaying parts of the “Ulchi Freedom Shield” military exercise. South Korean officials have also said that North Korea appeared to be removing some of its own loudspeakers, although the extent of the dismantling remains unclear.

Despite these actions, Pyongyang has maintained a hardline stance, rejecting all peace overtures. Kim Yo Jong accused Seoul of maintaining a hostile alignment with Washington, undermining any chance of reconciliation. The statement marks the latest in a series of sharp rebuffs from North Korea since President Lee’s inauguration, underscoring the continued diplomatic deadlock on the Korean Peninsula.

With tensions still high, Seoul is expected to pursue alternative diplomatic avenues, including upcoming regional engagements such as President Lee’s planned visit to Japan later this month. However, without reciprocal actions from Pyongyang, prospects for a breakthrough in inter-Korean relations remain slim.