South Korea pledged on Monday to maintain necessary measures for promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula after Pyongyang rejected President Lee Jae-myung's proposal to resume inter-Korean talks. The rejection came in response to a statement by Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who declared that her country has "no interest in any policy or proposal from South Korea" and would not engage in dialogue.

Key Developments:

1. North Korea’s Firm Rejection:

   • Kim Yo-jong’s remarks mark Pyongyang’s first official statement on inter-Korean relations since President Lee took office in early June.

   • She dismissed Seoul’s outreach, calling it insincere and reiterating North Korea’s stance of no negotiations.

2. South Korea’s Response:

   • The presidential office in Seoul acknowledged the "high wall of distrust built over years of hostility and confrontation."

   • A senior official stated: "The government will consistently take necessary measures to ensure a Korean Peninsula free from enmity and conflict, in line with President Lee’s firm principle of establishing lasting peace—where there is no need for fighting."

3. Recent De-escalation Efforts by Seoul:

   • Suspended anti-Pyongyang loudspeaker broadcasts along the border.

   • Urged activists to halt propaganda balloon launches into the North.

   • Repatriated North Korean fishermen who drifted into Southern waters.

4. Historical Context:

   • In late 2013, Kim Jong-un declared inter-Korean ties as "relations between hostile states," vowing no further reconciliation or reunification efforts.

Analysis:

• Deepening Stalemate: Pyongyang’s rejection reflects its long-standing policy of dismissing dialogue under what it sees as "hostile" Southern leadership.

• Seoul’s Dilemma: President Lee’s administration seeks confidence-building measures, but North Korea’s rigid stance limits progress.

• Regional Implications: The deadlock complicates U.S.-led efforts to revive denuclearization talks.