Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, threatened the “complete destruction” of the North’s relationship with South Korea on Wednesday after both countries tested ballistic missiles.
Kim, in a statement carried by state media and cited by The Associated Press, slammed South Korean President Moon Jae-in for comments he made while watching the country’s first missile test.
Moon said South Korea’s increasing missile abilities will be a “sure deterrence” against provocations from the North, according to the AP.
Kim criticized Moon for saying the North’s weapons demonstrations were a provocation, and warned of consequences should he continue using the same language.
“If the president joins in the slander and detraction [against us], this will be followed by counter actions, and the North-South relations will be pushed toward a complete destruction,” Kim said, according to the AP. “We do not want that.”
Kim contended that the North is increasing its military capabilities for self-defense purposes and not to target any particular country, according to the news wire. She also noted that the South has been building up its military abilities.
Both North and South Korea tested missiles on Wednesday, as tensions continue to rise in the region.
The North launched two missiles off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula. Less than three hours later, the South fired a missile from a submerged 3,700-ton submarine.
That missile reportedly hit its intended target accurately.
The test launches come after North Korea this weekend successfully test-fired its new long-range cruise missiles.
The U.S. has urged North Korea to recommit to nuclear talks, but discussions are currently at a stalemate. The North has asked for sanctions to be lifted before talks are resurrected.