N. Korean official says Kim Yo-jong's statement on S. Korea is 'clear warning' | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK SEOUL, April 7 (Yonhap) -- A North Korean official said Tuesday that a statement by Kim Yo-jong, issued after President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret over drone incursions, should be seen as a clear warning, dismissing Seoul's response as a "wishful interpretation." Jang Kum-chol, North Korea's first vice foreign minister, issued a statement after Seoul officials positively assessed Kim's statement Monday. The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un described Lee as "frank and broad-minded" following his expression of regret over drone incursions by individuals into the North. Jang said the South Korean side's interpretation of the statement as an "unprecedented favorable response" would amount to a "pipe dream" and a "wishful interpretation," noting that "the core of the statement was a clear warning." He said South Korea's identity as North Korea's "most hostile state" remains unchanged, regardless of Seoul officials' remarks or actions, citing South Korea's participation in U.N. resolutions condemning North Korean human rights violations. President Lee Jae Myung (L) speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 6, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #N Korea #Kim Yo-jong Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (LEAD) BTS tops Billboard albums chart for 2nd week with 'Arirang,' a first in K-pop BTS to drop 'Come Over,' exclusive new track on 'Arirang' LP Lee voices hope for peace in Easter message (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S.

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SEOUL, April 7 (Yonhap) -- A North Korean official said Tuesday that a statement by Kim Yo-jong, issued after President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret over drone incursions, should be seen as a clear warning, dismissing Seoul's response as a "wishful interpretation."
Jang Kum-chol, North Korea's first vice foreign minister, issued a statement after Seoul officials positively assessed Kim's statement Monday. The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un described Lee as "frank and broad-minded" following his expression of regret over drone incursions by individuals into the North.
Jang said the South Korean side's interpretation of the statement as an "unprecedented favorable response" would amount to a "pipe dream" and a "wishful interpretation," noting that "the core of the statement was a clear warning."
He said South Korea's identity as North Korea's "most hostile state" remains unchanged, regardless of Seoul officials' remarks or actions, citing South Korea's participation in U.N. resolutions condemning North Korean human rights violations.
President Lee Jae Myung (L) speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 6, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
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#Kim Yo-jong
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N. Korean official says Kim Yo-jong's statement on S. Korea is 'clear warning'

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- Korea's swift response to Lee's regret over drone flights as 'meaningful progress' Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos N.

### Areas for Consideration
- President Lee Jae Myung (L) speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 6, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #N Korea #Kim Yo-jong Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (LEAD) BTS tops Billboard albums chart for 2nd week with 'Arirang,' a first in K-pop BTS to drop 'Come Over,' exclusive new track on 'Arirang' LP Lee voices hope for peace in Easter message (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S.

### Implications
- OK SEOUL, April 7 (Yonhap) -- A North Korean official said Tuesday that a statement by Kim Yo-jong, issued after President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret over drone incursions, should be seen as a clear warning, dismissing Seoul's response as a "wishful interpretation." Jang Kum-chol, North Korea's first vice foreign minister, issued a statement after Seoul officials positively assessed Kim's statement Monday.
- President Lee Jae Myung (L) speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 6, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #N Korea #Kim Yo-jong Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (LEAD) BTS tops Billboard albums chart for 2nd week with 'Arirang,' a first in K-pop BTS to drop 'Come Over,' exclusive new track on 'Arirang' LP Lee voices hope for peace in Easter message (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S.
- Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S. (3rd LD) Lee says S.
- Korea, France agree to cooperate on safe passage through Strait of Hormuz Most Viewed All Categories (LEAD) Kim Yo-jong says N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers korea, korean, statement topics. Notable strengths include discussion of korea. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 483.