Steph Deschamps / August 11, 2022
The influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un accused Seoul of causing the Covid outbreak in her country and threatened retaliation, state media reported Thursday, on the day Pyongyang declared its victory over the disease.
Kim Yo Jong attacked the sending of propaganda leaflets by balloons from South Korea, referring to a crime against humanity, reported the official news agency KCNA.
Pyongyang had previously blamed foreign things near the border with the South for the Covid outbreak in the isolated country, allegations denied by Seoul.
Despite a ban imposed in 2021, South Korean activists continue to send balloons containing flyers and dollar bills, raising protests from Pyongyang.
Ms. Kim argued that many countries and the WHO have recognized the danger of spreading an infectious disease by coming into contact with contaminated objects, according to the article.
It is very disturbing that South Korea is sending leaflets, money, brochures and dirty items to our region, she added.
Kim Yo Jong warned that Pyongyang was thinking of strong retaliation, adding that if the balloons continued, we will respond by eradicating not only the virus, but also the South Korean authorities.
Seoul assured in June that there were no officially verified cases of Covid infection by mail or through equipment.
The threats come after his brother declared a resounding victory in the battle against Covid-19, after two weeks with no new officially announced cases.