South Korea called on North Korea on Monday to stop interfering in the country's domestic politics as Pyongyang's semi-state agencies condemned President Park Geun-hye on the occasion of the final hearing of her impeachment trial.
The History Society of North Korea on Sunday called Park's family a "dirty group of traitors," and an agency promoting anti-imperialism said that rallies staged by Park's supporters will only speed up her downfall.
North Korea's attacks were timed with the Constitutional Court's move to listen to final arguments to check the legality of Park's impeachment. The hearing is slated for later in the day.
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Jeong Joon-hee, South Korea's unification ministry spokesman (Yonhap) |
"North Korea should focus on improving the livelihood of its people," Jeong Joon-hee, ministry spokesman, told a regular press briefing.
"The North said that those who go against public sentiment should face the graveyard of history. Pyongyang should digest what it said and reflect on its own situation," Jeong added.
The parliament voted on Dec. 9 to impeach Park over a corruption scandal involving her and her close friend.
Park is alleged to have colluded with her jailed friend Choi Soon-sil in extorting money and favors from local conglomerates.
She is also suspected of allowing Choi to meddle in state affairs.
North Korea's rhetoric against South Korea's politics is nothing new as it unleashed condemnation critical of the South Korean conservative government or made political comments in South Korea's political transition.
Seoul called on Pyongyang not to intervene in state affairs, saying that North Korea seeks to drive a wedge among South Koreans.
The Chosun Sinbo, a pro-North Korean newspaper based in Japan, said Monday that a decision by South Korea's acting leader not to extend a probe into Park's scandal will further anger the public.
Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn rejected a team of special investigators' request to extend their investigation. The probe is set to end Tuesday.
"No matter how Park and her supporters resist, Park cannot avoid South Koreans' stern judgment and will be ousted," the newspaper said.
The Chosun Shinbo is not North Korea's state media, but it serves as an unofficial mouthpiece for Pyongyang. (Yonhap)
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