N. Korea’s Kim apologizes over shooting death of S. Korean

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People watch a TV showing a file image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, left, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. North Korean leader Kim apologized Friday over the killing of a South Korea official near the rivals’ disputed sea boundary, saying he’s “very sorry” about the incident he called unexpected and unfortunate, South Korean officials said. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea says North Korean leader Kim Jong Un apologized over the killing of a South Korea official who may have crossed the disputed sea border while trying to defect. It’s extremely unusual for a North Korean leader to apologize to rival South Korea on any issue. South Korea’s presidential office said Kim in his message of apology called the incident unexpected and unfortunate. South Korea earlier said the man disappeared from a boat monitoring unauthorized fishing. It accused North Korea of fatally shooting him and burning his body in what may have been an anti-virus measure. South Korean officials had condemned what they called the atrocious act and pressed for North Korea to punish those responsible.