Kim Jong-un powerful sister has dismissed prospects for early resumption of diplomacy between North Korea and the US, saying American expectations for talks would "plunge them into a greater disappointment”.
Kim Yo-jong issued the statement on Tuesday after US National Security adviser Jake Sullivan described as an "interesting signal" her brother's recent statement that North Korea must be ready for both dialogue and confrontation, but more for confrontation.
"A Korean proverb says that ‘In a dream, what counts most is to read it, not to have it’. It seems that the US may interpret the situation in such a way as to seek a comfort for itself," Ms Kim said, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.
"The expectation, which they chose to harbour the wrong way, would plunge them into a greater disappointment," she said.
Her statement came as the top US envoy on North Korea affairs, Sung Kim, is visiting South Korea.
Sung Kim said on Monday he hoped to see a positive reaction from the North soon on US offers for talks.
The North Korean leader in recent political speeches has threatened to bolster his nuclear deterrent and claimed that the fate of diplomacy and bilateral relations depends on whether Washington abandons what he calls hostile policies.
US officials have suggested President Joe Biden would take the middle ground between his predecessor Donald Trump's direct dealings with Mr Kim, and President Barack Obama's policy of "strategic patience".
But some experts say the North likely must take concrete steps toward denuclearisation before the Biden administration would ease any sanctions.
