Kim Jong Un's Sister Slams ASEAN's Denuclearization Calls as 'Stupid and Foolish'

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, launched a sharp attack on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday. She denounced the regional bloc's calls for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula as "stupid and foolish," according to AFP.

“

stupid and foolish

ASEAN had previously expressed "grave concern" over Pyongyang's ongoing nuclear weapons development at its annual regional forum. The bloc emphasized the importance of dialogue to achieve "lasting peace and stability on a denuclearized Korean Peninsula."

North Korea has consistently asserted its right to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, despite UN Security Council sanctions prohibiting such activities. The country further solidified its nuclear status by enshrining it in its constitution in 2023.

“

grave concern

In a statement released by the state-run KCNA news agency, Kim Yo Jong declared her "resolute dissatisfaction" with ASEAN's "undisguised hostile attitude." She criticized the forum for echoing the U.S. rhetoric on denuclearization while ignoring North Korea's constitution. Kim described the pursuit of denuclearization as a "stupid and foolish dream" that has lost its conceptual and practical meaning, urging ASEAN to avoid being used as a U.S. mouthpiece.

“

to achieve lasting peace and stability on a denuclearized Korean Peninsula

This latest statement follows Kim Yo Jong's June declaration that North Korea's nuclear program is a "line without retreat." Pyongyang has repeatedly stated since the failed 2019 summit between Kim Jong Un and then-U.S. President Donald Trump that its status as a nuclear power is "irreversible."

“

resolute dissatisfaction with the undisguised hostile attitude of the forum which is echoing the U.S. trumpeting about 'denuclearization,' ignoring the DPRK's constitution