Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea’s Supreme Leader, is back. This time, though, Kim Jong Un’s sister doesn’t seem her usual vitriolic self – at least at first glance.
Earlier this week, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida offered an olive branch to the North Korean leader, outlining his willingness to engage in talks with him to resolve an issue that has plagued relations between the two countries for several decades. Given North Korea’s lack of desire to engage in talks, apart from with Russia or China, it was surprising that Kim Yo Jong reciprocated with an offer of her own. Highlighting the possibility for Japan and North Korea to ‘open a new future’, the sister even raised the possibility of a visit by the Japanese prime minister to Pyongyang.
Presenting an openness towards dialogue with Japan allows Miss Kim to portray North Korea as responsible actors
At first glance, this seems an almighty U-turn.
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