Name? Kim Yo Jong
Westphalian identity? North Korean
Age? 33
Why is she in the news? Kim published a statement directly addressing the USA and Secretary of State Blinken’s visit to East Asia. With welcoming words, Kim offered a new perspective on North Korean-US relations: “If it [the US] wants to sleep in peace for the coming four years, it had better refrain from causing a stink at its first step.”
Why do we care? This was the first time that North Korea has acknowledged the new administration since Kim’s brother Jong-Un needed some time for himself after his buddy Donald cancelled all future playdates. It seems like the siblings are a bit bitter about it, not even giving Uncle Biden a chance as they ignore all official channels of communication as well as the New York Channel.
Why should you care? The North Korean issue is coming right after China on the US’ list of priorities and Kim’s statement is assuring that it remains the way. The Biden administration is eager to discuss North Korea’s nuclear plan and prove that ‘American diplomacy is back’ but with little gain for North Korean leadership from these talks, not much is expected to change so on our how much you should care scale 2/10.
Who else cares? South Korean President Moon Jae-in. President Biden discussed the ‘North Korean issue’ earlier this year, agreeing to “closely coordinate” on the manner. Moreover, Secretary Blinken is expected to echo these sentiments as he visits the country in his first Asia tour.
Any further comments? Last week, the US and South Korea picked up their yearly military exercises again. Kim responded with the potential abolishment of the liaison office for peace with South Korea stating it “has no reason for its existence.” Kim is very influential as she is considered a close advisor, ally, and potential successor to her brother, so her statement, as crazy as it may seem, matters.
