North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, has issued a new warning to South Korea, accusing Seoul of failing to understand the meaning of “audacity” as tensions along the heavily fortified border rise again.
In comments released Wednesday, October 21, Kim warned that South Korea could face what she described as “the most horrible and distressing situation” if it continued interfering in matters Pyongyang considers internal affairs.
Her statement criticized South Korean forces for using warning broadcasts and firing warning shots near the border. She also threatened that North Korea would “mercilessly eliminate” South Korean personnel if any North Korean troops were harmed.
The remarks came against the backdrop of unverified speculation about Kim Jong Un’s health and even claims that the North Korean leader had died.
U.S.-based Chinese dissident Xie Wanjun recently alleged on social media that Kim had collapsed and fallen into a coma before being transferred to Beijing for emergency medical treatment, where he supposedly died.
No medical documentation or independently verified evidence was provided to substantiate that claim.
North Korean state media appeared to push back against the speculation on October 20 by releasing photographs and footage said to show Kim attending a clothing and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang the previous day alongside his wife and daughter.
The precise timing of those images has not been independently established.
Kim Yo Jong’s latest intervention focused instead on the worsening confrontation with Seoul.
She threatened that North Korea could resume “psychological warfare loudspeakers against South Korea” within days and directed unusually harsh language toward the South Korean government.
“The Blue House and government officials are all clichéd fools,” she said, before warning: “If they make even a mistake, they should be prepared for everything.”
Loudspeaker campaigns have long been part of the psychological contest between the two Koreas.
According to The Guardian, both governments have repeatedly used powerful speakers positioned near the border to broadcast messages across the Demilitarized Zone.
South Korea has historically aired a mixture of K-pop, news and commentary critical of the North Korean government.
Pyongyang’s broadcasts have taken a markedly different form and have included what the newspaper described as “haunting bestial howls.”
The loudspeakers had reportedly remained silent for approximately 16 months before the latest threat to reactivate them.
Kim Yo Jong has become one of the most prominent figures in North Korea’s political leadership and is widely regarded as an important adviser to her older brother.
Her work has included senior responsibilities involving state propaganda, helping reinforce the personality cult surrounding Kim Jong Un and the ruling Kim family.
Exactly how much independent authority she holds, however, remains uncertain.
The Conversation has noted that some of Kim Yo Jong’s harshest threats against South Korea have occasionally been followed by more conciliatory diplomatic moves from her brother, raising questions about whether her statements represent fixed policy, negotiating pressure or a deliberate division of roles within the regime.
The internal dynamics of the Kim family have long attracted scrutiny.
Kim Jong Un’s half-brother, Kim Jong Nam, was assassinated at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia in 2017.
Their uncle, Jang Song Thaek, once one of the most powerful figures in North Korea, was executed in 2013 after being removed from his senior positions.
Kim Yo Jong has previously been discussed as a possible successor to her brother, although increasing attention has recently shifted toward Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, amid speculation that she could eventually become the country’s next leader.
In her latest statement, Kim Yo Jong said preparations would extend across the border.
“New countermeasures will enter combat readiness along the entire border,” she said.
She then added: “The South does not even know the meaning of ‘audacity’.”
Kim accused Seoul of portraying North Korean actions as provocations while itself firing warning shots.
“Calling it provocation while firing at people who did not shoot a single bullet is the definition of audacity,” she said.
She also rejected South Korean accusations concerning repeated North Korean border incursions and mine-laying activity inside the Demilitarized Zone.
“If the South continues to nitpick, the current administration will face the most humiliating and embarrassing situation,” Kim warned.
She said North Korea would continue work intended to permanently reinforce its side of the border.
“The permanent border construction project will continue successfully. Once the border is fortified, many complex issues will be resolved,” she said.
South Korea’s Ministry of Unification responded cautiously, saying Kim’s wording did not make clear whether North Korea intended to resume loudspeaker broadcasts immediately or merely prepare the equipment for possible use.
“It is ambiguous whether Kim Yo-jong meant the loudspeakers will be turned on or just prepared,” the ministry said.
Officials also pointed to the final warning in Kim’s statement — “We once again warn you to properly assess the situation and correct your words and actions” — as suggesting that Pyongyang’s next move could depend on how Seoul responds.
For now, the latest exchange adds another layer of uncertainty along one of the world’s most heavily militarized borders.
Kim Yo Jong’s threat signals that North Korea is prepared to escalate its psychological and military posture, but whether the loudspeakers are actually switched back on — and whether the rhetoric develops into a wider confrontation — remains unresolved.