The presidential office on Wednesday expressed regret after Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, denounced Seoul’s recent efforts to restore inter-Korean trust, saying Pyongyang “distorted” its genuine intentions.

It stressed that the Lee Jae Myung administration’s preemptive steps were not aimed at serving one side but were designed to ensure stability and prosperity for both Koreas.

The office added that it remains committed to ending confrontation and opening up a new era of peaceful coexistence despite Pyongyang’s harsh rhetoric.

Earlier on Wednesday, Kim was quoted by North Korean state media as saying South Korea cannot be its diplomatic partner and dismissed President Lee as unfit to change the course of history.

Meanwhile, the unification ministry emphasized that mutual respect is vital to building peace and said the government will consistently implement its North Korea policy.