Who is Kim Yo-jong? Why did sister of North Korean leader threaten South Korea with nuclear attack if provoked

Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has warned that North Korea will hit South Korea with nuclear weapons if the country is provoked by its neighbours.

The comments came after South Korea’s defence minister Suh Wook spoke about his country’s ability to target North Korea if needed.

Ms Kim told North Korean state news agency KCNA that it was a “very big mistake” for Mr Wook to make the comments.

There is also speculation that Ms Kim’s comments could be firing a warning to incoming president Yoon Suk-yeol.

Who is Kim Yo-jong?

Kim Yo-jong is the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and the youngest child of former leader Kim Jong-il.

Ms Kim is a politician and diplomat in North Korea and is currently serving as head of the Publicity and Information Department of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

She also facilitates communication between North Korea and South Korea, as well as relations with Washington.

She is believed to be a possible successor to Kim Jong-un after his leadership finishes, often accompanying him on official visits and engagements.

Ms Kim is often believed to be the “number two” of the North Korean leadership.

What did Kim Yo-jong say about South Korea?

As reported by KCNA, Ms Kim responded to Mr Wook’s previous comments with a stark warning.

She said: “In the case South Korea opts for military confrontation with us, our nuclear combat force will have to inevitably carry out its duty… a dreadful attack will be launched and the [South Korean] army will have to face a miserable fate little short of total destruction and ruin.”

It comes after she branded the South Korean defence minister was branded a “scum-like guy” by Ms Kim.

She said: “The senseless and scum-like guy dare mention a ‘pre-emptive strike’ at a nuclear weapons state.

“South Korea may face a serious threat owing to the reckless remarks made by its defence minister.

“South Korea should discipline itself if it wants to stave off disaster.”

What did Suh Wook say about North Korea?

Tensions have began building after Mr Wook spoke about South Korea’s capability to strike its neighbour.

During a press conference, he told members of the media that South Korea was able to target North Korea’s missile launch location accurately.

Would North Korea hit South Korea with nuclear weapons?

North Korea has been flexing its nuclear arsenal in the past few months, with test launches taking place.

The test launches have caught the attention of the international community, with fears that North Korea could be trying to show its military prowess.

However, Ms Kim insisted that the country would not initiate any warfare, and would only retaliate if first attacked.

Her comment also appeared to be a warning for incoming South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol.

Yoon Suk-yeol has been vocal in his wishes for South Korea to strengthen its defences against North Korea.