Kim Jong Un Condemns South Korean Media Over Flood Report

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticized South Korean media for exaggerating flood death tolls in North Korea and ruled out accepting aid from Seoul. Kim praised North Korean troops for their flood rescue efforts, accusing South Korea of a smear campaign. The North is thus expected to refuse aid during heightened tensions.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned South Korea's media for allegedly exaggerating flood death tolls in the North's northwest, claiming these reports tarnish the North's image.

Kim made these remarks on Friday during a visit to an air force helicopter unit, commending the troops involved in rescue missions, North Korea's Korean Central News Agency reported on Saturday.

Further, Kim dismissed South Korean reports of 1,000 to 1,500 flood deaths and helicopter crashes as part of a 'vicious smear campaign.' He reiterated North Korea's stance of treating the South as an unchangeable enemy, indicating Pyongyang's refusal of Seoul's aid offer amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)