North Korea Issues Public Apology over Shooting Death of South Korean
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, issued a letter of apology to South Korea on Friday saying he is “very sorry” about the killing of a South Korean government official. In a highly unusual move, the apology will more than likely diminish friction between the two Korea’s, especially anti-North views by South Koreans amid growing criticisms by the North of their liberal president, Moon Jae-in.
The government worker, who was perceived to be posing a potential threat, was shot and killed when North Korean security forces responded to a report of an unidentified man floating across the maritime border between the two countries. The soldiers reportedly demanded immediate identification from the man, then shot 10 rounds killing him instantly when he didn’t respond after warning shots were fired.
North Korean officials stated the remaining pool of blood and floating object were burned on site immediately afterwards in accordance with the country’s COVID-19 disease prevention mandate.
Ann Sullivan is a contributing staff writer covering national and world news topics. She brings dedicated experience having written international and domestic news, blogs, and web content for over 20 years. She’s also a published poet and graphic designer with degrees in Business and Graphic Communications and has been a music distributor, music industry sponsorship sales director and band manager.