Cheong Wa Dae Says Kim Jong Un's Speech "Does Not Help Peaceful Coexistence"

Cheong Wa Dae has expressed displeasure, saying that President of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea Kim Jong Un's hostile remarks against the South do nothing to help peaceful coexistence. Until now, Cheong Wa Dae had tried to exercise maximum restraint in the face of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s repeated slander against the South. However, security officials are said to be increasingly frustrated as the DPRK's hostile actions have crossed the line.
On the 24th, Cheong Wa Dae voiced regret after Kim Jong Un designated the Republic of Korea (South Korea) as "the most hostile state" and issued hardline remarks. It stated that "the continuation of hostile rhetoric in no way contributes to peaceful coexistence." A Cheong Wa Dae official stressed, "On the Korean Peninsula, the only path that can guarantee the safety and prosperity of both South and North is peaceful coexistence through dialogue and cooperation, not hostility and confrontation."
In a policy speech at the Supreme People's Assembly on the 23rd, Kim Jong Un claimed that the United States of America's acts of aggression around the world are fueling anti-American sentiment and hatred. He also reiterated his existing position that the DPRK will further expand its nuclear deterrent. In addition, he defined South Korea as an even more hostile state than the United States of America. Kim Jong Un threatened, "We officially recognize South Korea as the most hostile state, and we will make it pay a merciless price for any act that touches our republic."
Despite the DPRK's threats, the Ministry of Unification (MOU) stated that it will consistently pursue its policy of peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula. An MOU official said, "We will continue our steady efforts under the basic policy of developing relations into one of peaceful coexistence."