Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has criticized the United States, accusing them of hypocrisy after they criticized North Korea’s failed launch of a military spy satellite. She asserted that a successful launch will soon take place.
Kim Yo-jong defended North Korea’s pursuit of space-based reconnaissance capabilities as a legitimate exercise of its sovereign rights. She reiterated the country’s rejection of UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit any launch involving ballistic missile technology.
In her statement, Kim Yo-jong pointed out the irony of the United States and other countries criticizing North Korea while they themselves have launched numerous satellites. She referred to the US as a “group of gangsters” and criticized their monitoring of North Korea using reconnaissance satellites and other aerial assets.
Kim Yo-jong argued that the resolution banning North Korea’s use of ballistic missile technology, regardless of its purpose, while other countries engage in similar activities, is a violation of North Korea’s right to use space and an illegal oppression.
She confidently stated that North Korea’s military reconnaissance satellite will be successfully launched in the near future and will fulfill its mission.
Following North Korea’s failed launch, the United States, South Korea, and Japan swiftly condemned the action, citing the use of banned ballistic missile technology and the potential destabilization of regional security.
Kim Yo-jong briefly addressed the comments made by Adam Hodge, a spokesperson at the US National Security Council, calling them “hackneyed gibberish” stemming from “brigandish and abnormal thinking.”
The recent launch adds to a series of military demonstrations by North Korea, including approximately 100 missile test-firings since the beginning of 2022. These actions underscore Kim Jong-un’s efforts to develop nuclear strike capabilities targeting both the US mainland and South Korea.
On Wednesday, the International Maritime Organization’s maritime safety committee adopted a rare resolution denouncing North Korea for conducting launches without proper notification, which posed a serious threat to the safety of seafarers and international shipping.
Despite economic sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council in response to previous satellite and ballistic missile launches, North Korea has not faced repercussions for its recent tests. Permanent council members China and Russia have consistently rejected US-led efforts to strengthen sanctions against North Korea, highlighting a divide that has deepened due to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
