North Korea leader's sister denies talks with 'hostile' US
Al Jazeera
β’Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:32:36 +0000
π° What Happened
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, denied any ongoing communication between her brother and US President Donald Trump, saying she was unaware of such talks and maintaining that Washington still follows a "hostile" policy toward North Korea. The statement, published by state media KCNA, came after Trump claimed he had been in touch with Kim and planned to meet him. Later on Wednesday, Trump again said he gets along well with Kim and is planning to meet the North Korean leader.
π The Backstory
Trump has increasingly touted what he describes as a close relationship with Kim Jong Un, while publicly expressing resentment toward South Korea and scaling back US-South Korean military drills.
π― Why It Matters
The public contradiction between Trump's claim of direct contact and Kim Yo Jong's denial highlights the uncertainty and fragility around potential US-North Korea diplomacy and its implications for regional security.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, denied any ongoing communication between her brother and US President Donald Trump, saying she was unaware of such talks and maintaining that Washington still follows a "hostile" policy toward North Korea. The statement, published by state media KCNA, came after Trump claimed he had been in touch with Kim and planned to meet him. Later on Wednesday, Trump again said he gets along well with Kim and is planning to meet the North Korean leader.
Trump has increasingly touted what he describes as a close relationship with Kim Jong Un, while publicly expressing resentment toward South Korea and scaling back US-South Korean military drills.
The public contradiction between Trump's claim of direct contact and Kim Yo Jong's denial highlights the uncertainty and fragility around potential US-North Korea diplomacy and its implications for regional security.