Lee In-young's First Words: "Restoration of Inter-Korean Dialogue and Humanitarian Exchange Cooperation"

"US-ROK Working Group to Take Necessary Measures"
"Military Action Absolutely Not... North Korea-US Dialogue Must Continue"

Lee In-young, the nominee for Minister of Unification, is responding to reporters' questions on the 6th while heading to the Inter-Korean Summit Headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

Lee In-young, the nominee for Minister of Unification, stated on the 6th that he would promptly work to restore dialogue and humanitarian exchange and cooperation between South and North Korea to ease the strained inter-Korean relations. Regarding the Korea-US Working Group, which has been criticized for blocking inter-Korean exchange and cooperation, he emphasized a "creative solution" and announced proactive actions such as persuading the United States.

On the same day, at the Inter-Korean Dialogue Headquarters in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Lee told reporters, "We will steadily build a bridge to peace and unification between South and North Korea," adding, "If we place the first stepping stone at this point, it will be the process of restoring dialogue in the once again chilled inter-Korean relations." He also stressed the need for "exchange and cooperation on a humanitarian level" and "the process of implementing what South and North Korea have promised so far."

When asked how he would overcome issues such as international sanctions against North Korea and the Korea-US Working Group, which arise during the promotion of inter-Korean exchange and cooperation, Lee said, "We will distinguish between what can be done through the Korea-US Working Group and what the Ministry of Unification can decide and do independently."

Lee particularly mentioned the Korea-US Working Group, saying, "We need to review what the Korea-US Working Group has done so far and take necessary measures based on my usual convictions," signaling an active and assertive approach.

He said, "This issue (sanctions against North Korea and exchange and cooperation) requires a creative approach," adding, "Sanctions against North Korea are not an end in themselves but one of the paths (toward the goal)." He reiterated, "The ultimate goal is peace and progress in inter-Korean relations," emphasizing the need for creative solutions to achieve this.

Regarding North Korea's rejection of dialogue with the United States, Lee reaffirmed his previous stance that dialogue between North Korea and the US should be resumed promptly. He stressed, "Any actions that could cause military tensions are undesirable," and added, "It is desirable that dialogue between South and North Korea, as well as between North Korea and the US, continues without interruption."

Meanwhile, North Korea has recently refrained from direct criticism of South Korea while repeatedly expressing dissatisfaction with the Korea-US Working Group.

The external propaganda media outlet Chosun Ilbo's Today claimed in an article titled "How long will you wear the yoke of humiliation and subjugation?" that South Korean political circles, media, and civic groups are united in criticizing the Korea-US Working Group.

The media cited former South Korean Ministers of Unification, quoting them as saying, "The Korea-US Working Group has become a shackle on inter-Korean relations," and "The government should not entrust inter-Korean relations to Trump but should take the lead in promoting inter-Korean relations."

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