Kim Yo Jong says DPRK-US leader ties remain 'excellent' despite short-range ballistic missile launches

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 subservient position. Despite the dismissive tone, she 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. South Korea's defense minister estimated North Korea may have 80 to 120 nuclear weapons. The missile launches and statements underscore ongoing tensions despite Trump's conciliatory gestures.