Kim Yo Jong denies recent US-NK communication, says Trump-Kim relationship remains 'excellent'

Published Aug 20, 01:49 PM UTC

Days after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Pyongyang responded by launching short-range ballistic missiles and issuing a harsh statement through Kim Yo Jong. Kim Yo Jong denied any communication between the leaders, downplayed Trump's decision to reduce joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, and mocked South Korea's subordinate role. North Korea fired around 10 short-range ballistic missiles on August 20, flying about 300 km. Despite the hostile actions, Kim Yo Jong confirmed the relationship between Trump and Kim Jong Un remains 'excellent.' Trump later claimed North Korea has 57 nuclear weapons and expects to meet Kim later this year, while South Korea's defense minister estimated 80 to 120 nuclear weapons.