Kim Jong Un seeks to split Seoul and US with hotline offer

North Korean leader rejects idea of talks with Biden administration

20210930N Kim Jong Un

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech to parliament on Sept. 29, offering to reopen a hotline with Seoul while slamming South Korea's policies. © Kyodo

YOSUKE ONCHI, Nikkei staff writer

SEOUL -- North Korea has intensified efforts to distance South Korea from the U.S., as leader Kim Jong Un announces plans to reopen a communications hotline between Pyongyang and Seoul.

In a speech to the Supreme People's Assembly on Wednesday, Kim said he intends to restore the link in early October. The rubber-stamp parliament that day appointed Kim Yo Jong, the leader's sister, to the country's top ruling body, the State Affairs Commission.

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