North Korea rebuffs Seoul’s overtures, says South is ‘enemy state’
Pyongyang’s rare acceptance of an apology over drone incursions was followed by a hardline warning, undercutting hopes for a thaw. The exchange underscores how quickly Seoul’s diplomacy can stall amid deep mistrust and military tensions.
Apr 7, 2026, 6:31 PM EDT
Why it matters:
- Seoul’s attempt to de-escalate after drone incursions is being read as a breakthrough in Pyongyang, but North Korea is pushing back hard — raising the risk of renewed friction.
Driving the news:
- A top North Korean official said South Korea’s “true colours” as an enemy state would never change, tempering optimism in Seoul that a recent exchange over drone incursions had opened the door to improved ties.
- In a statement carried by state media KCNA late on April 7, Jang Kum Chol, a first vice minister and department director at North Korea’s foreign ministry, criticized what he called “hope-filled dream reading” in South Korea after Pyongyang’s rare acceptance of President Lee Jae Myung’s expression of regret over the incident.
What they're saying:
- “The identity of the ROK, the enemy state most hostile to the DPRK, can never change with any words or conduct,” Jang said, using the formal acronyms for South and North Korea.
- The main point of Kim Yo Jong’s statement, he added, is that the South should acknowledge its wrongdoing, prevent any recurrence and refrain from actions that could further provoke Pyongyang.
State of play:
- The remarks contrast with Seoul’s assessment that Kim’s earlier comments — describing Lee’s apology and pledge to prevent a recurrence as “very fortunate and wise” — marked meaningful progress toward easing military tensions, even as Pyongyang reiterated that South Korea should refrain from attempts at contact.
- Jang, who previously headed a now-defunct department handling ties with South Korea, returned to the political spotlight at last month’s ruling Workers’ Party congress as a key figure shaping Pyongyang’s foreign policy.
What to watch:
- Whether Seoul adjusts its approach to avoid further provocation while testing if Pyongyang will allow any backchannel contact to proceed.
- Any follow-up signals from Kim Yo Jong or other senior officials that could clarify whether the warning is a one-off or part of a broader posture.
The bottom line:
- Pyongyang is signaling that apologies won’t erase its view of South Korea as an adversary — and that any de-escalation must come on its terms.