Kim Yeon-cheol: "Autonomy, Peace, and Unification, the June 15 Declaration is the Compass of Inter-Korean Relations"

Minister of Unification: "Inter-Korean Relations Losing Direction, Remember the Spirit of 6·15"
Congratulatory Speech at the 20th Anniversary Commemoration Event of the 6·15 Joint Declaration by the Democratic Party of Korea

Speaker of the National Assembly Park Byeong-seok attended the '20th Anniversary of the June 15 Joint Declaration Democratic Party Commemoration Event' held at the National Assembly on the 15th and was seen talking with Minister of Unification Kim Yeon-cheol. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Amid North Korea's declaration of the collapse of inter-Korean relations, on the 20th anniversary of the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration, Minister of Unification Kim Yeon-cheol emphasized, "Now that inter-Korean relations seem to be losing direction, we must remember the spirit of June 15 again."

Minister Kim said this in a congratulatory speech at the "June 15 Joint Declaration 20th Anniversary Democratic Party Commemorative Event" held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that morning, stating, "The June 15 Declaration remains an unwavering compass for inter-Korean relations."

He added, "The spirit of June 15 is not about subservience but autonomy, not confrontation but peace, not division but unification," emphasizing, "It is a principle that must be engraved to avoid losing our way in the current crisis."

Minister Kim evaluated the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration as "a historic event that marked a groundbreaking turning point in the history of division," and stated, "Through the June 15 Declaration and its implementation process, we learned that peace is not something that is given automatically."

He said, "Article 1 of the June 15 Declaration clearly states that we are the owners of the Korean Peninsula issue," adding, "Peace can be created and maintained through our own bold decisions and courageous actions."

He also emphasized, "Peace can only be achieved through mutual respect and recognition," and said, "Peace is not for one side alone. Dialogue and cooperation will benefit both the South and the North and will change the lives of all people living on the Korean Peninsula for the better."

Minister of Unification Kim Yeon-chul attended the "Korean Peninsula Peace and Prosperity Forum" held at the National Assembly on May 12 and is drinking water while reviewing materials before the forum began. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Meanwhile, with North Korea hinting at the demolition of the Kaesong Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office and signaling the collapse of inter-Korean relations, the Ministry of Unification stated that it is fully prepared for any eventuality.

At a regular briefing held at the Government Seoul Office Building that day, Ministry of Unification spokesperson Yeo Sang-gi responded to a question regarding the government's response and measures in case of North Korea dismantling the liaison office by saying, "The government is taking the matter very seriously and is closely monitoring the situation while preparing thoroughly for any eventuality."

First Deputy Director Kim Yo-jong, in a statement on the night of the 13th, hinted at the building's demolition by saying, "Soon, you will witness the miserable sight of the useless North-South Joint Liaison Office collapsing without a trace," and also mentioned the possibility of military provocations by stating, "The authority for the next hostile action will be handed over to our military's General Staff."

Spokesperson Yeo said regarding Kim Yo-jong's statement, "The government is taking the current situation very seriously and both the South and the North must strive to abide by all inter-Korean agreements."

Yeo added, "The June 15 Declaration has historic significance in confirming that the South and North are the owners of the Korean Peninsula issue and in opening a new era of inter-Korean relations," and said, "Despite various difficulties over the past 20 years, inter-Korean relations have repeatedly progressed based on the spirit of the June 15 Declaration."

He concluded, "The government will continue to make efforts for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula while abiding by the June 15 Declaration and other inter-Korean agreements."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.