Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has stated she knows “absolutely nothing” about alleged communications between her brother and former US President Donald Trump, dampening hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough. Trump had claimed he was planning to meet Kim Jong-un and that the two were holding secret negotiations, but Kim Yo-jong’s remarks cast doubt on those assertions.
Trump’s Claims of Secret Talks and Nuclear Disclosure
Trump, who also made an unusual disclosure that North Korea possesses 57 “very powerful nuclear weapons,” revealed exact intelligence estimates during a recent statement. He suggested that he and Kim were in contact after announcing the US would downgrade its participation in military exercises held with South Korea. When asked whether Kim had responded to his request for a conversation, Trump responded: “Yeah, he has.”
Reports indicate Trump is pushing aides to set up an in-person meeting with Kim, potentially during a trip to Asia for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China. However, Kim Yo-jong’s denial challenges the credibility of these plans.
Kim Yo-jong’s Denial and Skepticism
Kim Yo-jong, a key figure in North Korea’s leadership, stated she knew “absolutely nothing” about the supposed communications. She noted that while Trump and Kim maintain an excellent relationship, the US remains an enemy of Pyongyang. “The United States’ hostile policy toward the DPRK has not changed, and the United States and its followers are vigorously carrying out hostile military activities against the DPRK even at this very moment,” she said.
In her statement, Kim Yo-jong reiterated that her brother holds “personally good memories and feelings” toward the US president while expressing skepticism over claims of secret exchanges. “Perhaps it is the only matter I do not know about in relation to our supreme leadership’s foreign policy,” she added.
Trump’s Response and Iran Remark
Questioned further about his talks with Kim, Trump declined to specify whether he was in direct contact but confirmed his intention to meet Kim. “I know Kim Jong-un very well and he’s gonna be fine. As long as we have a smart president, he’s gonna be fine. If we have a dumb president, then he’s probably not going to be so fine,” Trump said.
Trump also added that Iran should not be allowed to acquire nuclear capabilities, linking the discussion to broader nuclear non-proliferation concerns.
Denial of Troop Deployment Allegations
Kim Yo-jong also denied allegations that North Korea planned to deploy tens of thousands of troops to fight for Russia, a claim that has circulated in international media. Her denial reinforces Pyongyang’s position of non-involvement in the conflict, despite ongoing speculation about military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
