Lee In-young Suggests Scaling Down ROK-US Drills, Proposes "Chuseok Family Reunions"

Minister of Unification Nominee "Needs to be Strategically Reviewed"

Lee In-young, the nominee for Minister of Unification, attended the plenary session of the National Assembly on the 16th, talking with fellow lawmakers with a serious expression. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

With the confirmation hearing for Lee In-young, the nominee for Minister of Unification, just three days away, Lee hinted at the possibility of scaling down the August South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises and expressed his intention to promote separated family reunions during the Chuseok holiday in October.

On the 20th, Lee submitted a written response to the confirmation hearing questions to the office of Kim Young-ho, a member of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, stating, "The South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises should be strategically managed in a way that does not act as a source of tension on the Korean Peninsula but rather promotes inter-Korean dialogue and North Korea-U.S. dialogue."

He emphasized, "The United Nations (UN) Security Council is currently calling for an immediate ceasefire amid the COVID-19 pandemic," adding, "We need to strategically review the exercises while considering the practical constraints caused by COVID-19."

The decision on whether and to what extent the joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises scheduled for next month will be conducted is expected to be a turning point in the situation on the Korean Peninsula. On the 19th, North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un consecutively presided over the 7th Central Military Commission's 5th Enlarged Meeting and a closed meeting, reiterating the importance of "strengthening war deterrence." Analysts interpret this as a warning message regarding the August joint exercises, while also indicating a long-term focus on strengthening defense capabilities through the development of new weapons.

Alongside this, Lee expressed his determination to promote separated family reunion events for Chuseok. He said, "Since this year marks the 20th anniversary of separated family reunions, I will seek consultations with North Korea to facilitate reunions during Chuseok." He added, "If large-scale reunions at Mount Kumgang are difficult due to the COVID-19 situation, we will consider meeting in small groups of 10 families at Panmunjom and explore options such as video reunions and exchanging video letters that can be implemented immediately."

In particular, he proposed ideas linked to the construction of the Pyongyang General Hospital, North Korea's "No. 1 project." Lee stated, "Inter-Korean consultations to improve hospital facilities and medical personnel, including the Pyongyang General Hospital, which is of high interest to North Korea, are also urgent tasks." Regarding the issue of leaflet distribution to North Korea, which has been a cause of tension in inter-Korean relations, he reiterated his stance that "it must be stopped as it poses serious risks to the lives, safety, and property of residents in border areas."

Meanwhile, the confirmation hearing is expected to feature disputes and ethical controversies surrounding various privileges allegedly granted to Lee's child, A. Key issues include whether there was any "parental advantage" in securing funds for A's studies in Switzerland and in the selection process, as well as the appropriateness of A's military exemption. There are also allegations that A manufactured and sold alcoholic beverages without a license.

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