Kim Jong-un Apologizes For His Soldiers Shooting And Burning Bodies Of South Korean Officials

Kim Joung-un (Source: Antara)

JAKARTA - The North Korean government (North Korea) responded to the condemnation of South Korea (South Korea) for the death of their high-ranking officials. North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un apologized publicly for the shooting carried out by his soldiers on the border between the two countries.

"Sorry," said Jong-un, representing the North Korean government. The letter also cites Jong-un's apology for an incident he realizes is deifying the South Korean public.

Jong-un admits that he realizes the murder shouldn't have happened. However, Jong-un said his soldiers were forced to shoot the South Korean official in an effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The North Korean United Front Department, which is tasked with inter-border relations, sent a letter to the Office of South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The letter was sent one day after the shooting.

Based on South Korean intelligence reports, North Korean soldiers showered more than ten shots on the South Korean Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries official. After firing, the soldiers poured gasoline and burned the victim's body.

In the letter, North Korea also explained that the beginning of the tragedy occurred when the South Korean official refused to show his identity. The official even tried to run away.

Another clarification from North Korea is related to the burning of bodies. Jae-in's security adviser, Suh Hoon, said in the letter that North Korea explained that the soldiers burned the floating device used by the victim, not burning the victim's body as intelligence reports.

"The soldiers could not find the transgressors in their search after carrying out the shooting. They (soldiers) then set fire to the floating device, according to the national emergency measure to prevent disease," Suh said, referring to the contents of the letter.

The letter was received by Moon in a situation full of political pressure, in which the South Korean public intensely urged the President to renew policies and relations with North Korea after the shooting.