Jung Sye-kyun: "The Declaration to End the War and Denuclearization Are Different Issues... Synergy Will Be Great in Inter-Korean Cooperation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun opposed making the declaration of the end of the war conditional on denuclearization, stating that "the declaration of the end of the war and denuclearization are different issues."

On the 22nd, during a parliamentary question session, Prime Minister Chung responded to a question from Tae Young-ho, a member of the Future United Party, saying, "Dialogue between the South and North has progressed but then stalled. We need to resolve difficult issues through dialogue and compromise between the two Koreas and move toward peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula."

He emphasized, "There are many issues between the South and North beyond just the declaration of the end of the war, and these are intricately connected. Ultimately, we must achieve the goal of denuclearization, but a starting point is necessary to move toward that path." He added, "If the declaration of the end of the war is made in that context, it could be helpful."

During this process, members of the United Party jeered.

Regarding Tae's assertion that "a declaration of the end of the war that does not presuppose the disposal of North Korea's nuclear weapons would become a declaration recognizing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's nuclear possession," Prime Minister Chung replied, "Discussing the declaration of the end of the war is not for the North Korean authorities or Chairman Kim Jong-un, but for the people of the Republic of Korea and the Korean nation."

Tae also pointed out the issue of the remains of Korean War heroes, referencing former U.S. President Obama’s case, criticizing that officials at the working level, rather than ministerial level, came out to receive the remains. In response, Prime Minister Chung said, "We should have paid more careful attention to avoid such criticism, and I feel regretful about that. Neither government officials nor President Moon intended to treat the remains lightly or without due respect. Instead, I offer my apologies."

Regarding issues related to the late General Baek Seon-yeop, he maintained a reserved stance. When asked by Tae whether the 'Baek Seon-yeop reburial law' would be implemented, he said, "Since the National Assembly is the legislative branch, a bill can be proposed if it meets certain conditions. Whether it is legislated depends on parliamentary discussion, and I understand that legislative proposals without public consensus mostly fail."

On Seoul City's decision to impose compensation fees on the late General Baek's citizen memorial altar, he took a reserved position, stating, "The Republic of Korea is a country governed by the rule of law, and all administrative procedures are carried out according to laws and systems. Whether those laws and systems are appropriate, or whether Seoul City has discretion, must be comprehensively judged."

Regarding the suggestion that the late President Rhee Syngman should be recognized for gathering military elites to establish the army and fight against the North Korean army, he responded, "I do not fully agree, but I sympathize with the intent."

On the North's demolition of the liaison office, he said, "It was a wrongful act, but how to handle it requires comprehensive judgment," and regarding whether to obtain an apology, he said, "I think such efforts are necessary." He dismissed the claim that the inter-Korean economic cooperation foundation, chaired by former presidential chief of staff Lim Jong-seok, should have the 2.1 billion won in North Korean copyright fees deposited in the North seized, saying, "I have not reviewed that."

Tae pointed out that the loans we have extended to North Korea amount to 1.0617 trillion won, and including grants, total 2.7 trillion won, asking, "Do you agree that a government that cannot even recover money lent to North Korea claims that economic cooperation will revive our economy once it begins?" Prime Minister Chung replied, "Of course, there must have been discussions about claims and debts at an appropriate time. If North and South Korea resolve issues such as the nuclear problem and economic cooperation is realized, there will be much greater synergy than these."

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