North Korea’s True Intentions Hidden in Unusual Civility Toward an ‘Enemy’ Nation

At the beginning of the new year, North Korea has been sending a series of unusual messages to its enemies with a level of civility previously unthinkable.

The first of these was a statement issued on January 2 by Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. The first surprise was a statement issued by Kim Yo Jong, the sister of Kim Jong Un, on January 2, in which she praised Moon Jae In, the former president of South Korea.

 

“He was a man of tact and wisdom. He was difficult to deal with, and if a second Moon Jae-in had been in power, we would have had a hard time dealing with him.”

On the other hand, he was sarcastic about the current president, Yoon Suk Yeol.

She said, “Due to bringing in U.S. nuclear aircraft carriers and strategic bombers, our country can now fully demonstrate its excellent military strength. (President Yoon) can be considered a special contributor to the advancement of our military power.“

North Korea shows discomfort towards the “Sun”

 

How should we read and understand Mr. Yosei’s comments? Mr. Shinichi Hen, editor-in-chief of Korea Report, explains.

“I believe North Korea’s true intentions are concealed. Former President Moon Jae-In took a conciliatory approach, making efforts to realize inter-Korean summits. This made it challenging for North Korea. If South Korea, perceived as an enemy, adopts a friendly attitude, North Korea cannot pursue a hardline stance. Unable to demonstrate military strength, they risk being viewed as soft by the public, potentially destabilizing the nation. President Moon, who understood that the Sunshine Policy was optimal to dismantle the Kim family’s dictatorship, is described as a wise person using a unique expression.

On the other hand, President Yoon advocates for solidarity among Japan, the U.S., and South Korea, adopting a more assertive stance—a kind of ‘North Wind Policy.’ This is more convenient for North Korea. If South Korea maintains a strong posture, North Korea can conduct nuclear tests and missile launches without reservation. This allows them to showcase military strength to their citizens. Yo Jong’s labeling of President Yoon as a special contributor is, I believe, the greatest irony.”

An even more surprising message was directed to Japan.

On January 5, Kim Jong-Un sent the following telegram to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in response to a major earthquake on the Noto Peninsula:

“We have been informed that Japan has unfortunately suffered a great deal of loss of life and material damage due to the earthquake since the beginning of the year. We express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families and victims. I hope that they will be able to recover from the earthquake damage as soon as possible and return to a stable life.”

In the past, North Korean officials have expressed their condolences after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (January 1995) and the Great East Japan Earthquake (March 2011). However, it is unprecedented for the supreme leader of a nation to send a telegram of condolence to Japan. What is the intention? What is the intention?

He also addressed Prime Minister Kishida by the title “Your Excellency,” which is extremely unusual. Considering the fact that he has been so disrespectful to Japan, it could be seen as a flip-flop. Kim Jong-Un’s sympathy for the Noto earthquake victims should be considered in conjunction with Yo-Jung’s speech to the South Korean president.

The Supreme Leader sent a courteous message to Japan, referring to the Prime Minister as “Your Excellency”. This could be taken as a sign that North Korea and Japan are building friendly relations and entering into some kind of negotiations. On the other hand, in South Korea, the younger sister of the lower-ranking leader sarcastically referred to the president. It is the greatest insult. President Yoon, who has been calling for unity between Japan, the U.S., and South Korea, must have felt that the relationship between the three countries had been hit with a wedge. Behind the series of unusual messages at the beginning of the year, North Korea’s cunning and true intentions are hidden.

North Korea has continued to send out messages that have shaken neighboring countries since the beginning of the year. It seems that North Korea’s skillful manipulation of information is becoming more precise year by year.