Cheong Wa Dae says N. Korea's derogatory remarks unhelpful to building mutual trust

The presidential office of South Korea expressed disappointment on Friday with North Korea's derogatory remarks, urging Pyongyang to cease its disparaging comments towards Seoul and its president. The office emphasized in a brief press release that such remarks hinder the development of mutual trust and called on North Korea to cease unnecessary criticism and work towards peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.

This came in response to Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who had accused Seoul of being in a poor state for canceling war games that Seoul participated in, in response to Washington's reduction of a joint South Korea-U.S. military exercise. Kim also criticized South Korean President Lee Jae-myung for making contradictory remarks, pointing to his statements that he respects the cancellation of the drills while simultaneously pledging to pursue an independent military buildup.

The presidential office reiterated its dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence between the two nations.