North Korean leader Kim Yo-jong has called on South Korea to demonstrate “utmost respect” to restore inter-Korean relations, following Pyongyang’s denial of involvement in a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) mine explosion that injured South Korean soldiers last month.

The blast occurred inside the heavily fortified DMZ, the buffer zone separating the two countries since the 1953 armistice. A joint investigation conducted by South Korea and the United Nations Command concluded that the explosion was caused by mines originating from North Korea, which had been laid on the southern side of the border.

Seoul’s military has demanded an official apology from Pyongyang, labeling the incident a clear violation of the armistice agreement. Meanwhile, South Korea’s civilian leadership has called for renewed dialogue between the two Koreas to ease tensions.

In response, Kim Yo-jong, North Korea’s de facto spokesperson and sister to leader Kim Jong-un, criticized South Korea’s approach. She stated that for relations to improve, Seoul must be mindful of Pyongyang’s sentiments in all communications and actions, emphasizing the need for respect, solicitude, and sincerity.

The incident comes at a time when South Korea has secured an exemption from United Nations sanctions to provide North Korea with medical supplies scheduled for delivery next month. The aid package, valued at approximately 9.3 billion won (about RM28.3 million), is expected to include ambulances and sterilization equipment aimed at addressing North Korea’s longstanding healthcare challenges.

Human rights experts, including UN special rapporteur Elizabeth Salmon, have highlighted persistent food shortages and inadequate medical infrastructure in North Korea as ongoing humanitarian concerns. South Korea’s planned aid has been viewed by some analysts as a potential catalyst for improving bilateral engagement.

However, Kim Yo-jong dismissed the aid initiative as a political diversion, describing South Korea’s recent efforts as a “self-orchestrated farce” that failed to elicit the desired response. She also questioned the competence and intentions of South Korean officials involved in the process.

The deployment of mines along the frontier is part of North Korea’s broader strategy to reinforce border security. Following Kim Jong-un’s designation of South Korea as the “principal enemy” in 2024, Pyongyang has installed mines and anti-tank barriers aimed at permanently sealing off the border. South Korea’s defense minister, Kang Shin-chul, noted that the mines responsible for the recent explosion were likely laid more than a year ago as part of these fortifications.