North Korea Demands 'Utmost Respect' From Seoul to Restore Ties

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Pyongyang: North Korea has demanded that South Korea show ‘utmost respect’ before the two countries can restore bilateral relations.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, rejected Seoul's demand for an official apology following a recent landmine explosion inside the Demilitarised Zone.

A joint investigation by Seoul and the United Nations Command concluded that the blast, which injured three South Korean soldiers last month, was caused by North Korean mines laid on the South's side of the border. Pyongyang, however, firmly denied responsibility for the border explosion.

Kim Yo Jong warned that any action Seoul takes, whether driven by ‘evil intention or good faith’ will be seen as a challenge and a grave provocation to DPRK sovereignty. She declared that Pyongyang has "nothing to exchange" and no need to meet face-to-face.

Additionally, Kim dismissed Seoul's $6.95 million humanitarian medical aid package as a ‘self-orchestrated farce’ that failed to achieve its goals.

Analysts say Pyongyang considers inter-Korean engagement an unwelcome distraction as it prioritizes a potential deal with Washington and ties with Russia.