The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday dismissed South Korean claims the North is removing some of its loudspeakers along the inter-Korean border, mocking the government in Seoul for clinging to hopes of renewed diplomacy between the war-divided rivals.

In response to the North's alleged removal of the speakers, liberal South Korean President Lee Jae Myung voiced hopes of "reopening dialogue and communications" between the two rivalled countries. The North's response, however, was a cold shoulder.

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has dismissed South Korean claims that North Korea is removing loudspeakers along the inter-Korean border