The younger sister and close aide of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has defended Pyongyang's artillery drill on Monday in her first official statement of its kind.
Kim Yo Jong's statement came through the state-run Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday in response to South Korea's criticism over the drill.
Kim justified the artillery drills by the Korean People's Army, saying it was an "action for self-defense."
She said North Korea cannot help but question South Korea's presidential office for expressing its strong regret and demanding a suspension of the drills.
Kim also criticized South Korea for postponing instead of cancelling a joint military exercise with the United States. The exercise, which was scheduled for spring, has been postponed due to the spread of the new coronavirus.
She accused South Korea's presidential office of not being interested in peace or reconciliation.
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