Kim Jong Un's sister issues 'not a threat, but a clear warning' following brother's death rumors
As rumors began circulating that North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un had died, there's been speculation regarding who his potential successor will be.
Unconfirmed reports suggested that the 42-year-old had suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage, which lead to intelligence agencies across the world to closely monitor his isolated regime.
When his father died from a sudden heart attack in 2011, the death was hidden for two days, which gave these rumors traction. However, Pyongyang quickly moved to discredit the latest claims by releasing photos of him touring a clothing and footwear exhibition.
While South Korean intelligence currently views his teenage daughter as the likely heir apparent, experts believe his sister is actively asserting her own political authority.
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That is Kim Yo Jong, who recently joined senior military officials to visit new fortification sites along the 160-mile border, issuing a chilling message to her southern neighbors.
Yo Jung announced that North Korean tactical units had taken up forward positions, marking a significant military escalation between the two nations.
She also announced that Pyongyang will place anti-South Korea propaganda loudspeakers on standby across the frontier, ready to broadcast messages directly across the border.
Addressing the rising friction, she delivered a series of hostile statements directed at Seoul, explicitly cautioning them of 'the most horrible and distressing situation' if interferences continue.
"This is not a threat," she said per CBS News, "but a clear warning".
That warning is that North Korean troops would 'mercilessly eliminate' South Korean forces if military actions cause any damage to their personnel or territory along the disputed border.
It places political pressure on South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who previously dismantled fixed loudspeakers to build confidence between the two divided nations.
Since the beginning of the year, Pyongyang has heavily reinforced its side of the demilitarized zone with fresh landmines, concrete barriers, and extra security fencing to establish a permanent border.
The regional tension peaked last month when two South Korean soldiers were seriously wounded by what Seoul claims were North Korean mines planted as part of those new fortifications.
As a direct result of the injuries, South Korea plans to inform the United Nations Security Council that the recent blasts represent a strict armistice violation.
In response to the growing hostility, the South Korean defense ministry stated that Seoul would take 'proportionate measures' if these new military threats actually materialize along the border.
The government in Seoul also formally acknowledged that its forces had recently fired warning shots at multiple locations near the border, dubbing them 'legitimate and defensive measures'.
Speaking about the escalation, former US State Department analyst Bob Carlin said: "Whether these have heavy weaponry or not, this represents a change in the situation along the front."
Back in August, President Donald Trump stated that he expected to meet Jong-un before the year was out after the POTUS scaled back joint military exercises between the US and South Korea.
However, according to Reuters, Yo Jong insisted that personal chemistry between the two leaders won't be allowed to shape North Korea's military strategy, as she shut down the idea of Trump and Jong-un meeting.
Topics: North Korea, Kim Jong-un, World News
Joe Yates