Lee In-young: "Food and Medical Aid to North Korea Should Have Been Given Generously, Not Stingily"

Ministry of Unification Minister Confirmation Hearing
"US Forces Korea, Stationing Is Correct"

Lee In-young, the nominee for Minister of Unification, is delivering opening remarks at the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 23rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Lee In-young, the nominee for Minister of Unification, said on the 23rd, "Food and medical support for North Korea should be provided without hesitation. I think we should have been generous and not petty."

At the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee that day, Lee said, "There needs to be a principle that humanitarian issues such as food, illness, and things people want to see before they die should be separated from political issues and never stopped under any circumstances."

He also expressed concern about North Korea's COVID-19 situation, adding, "I hope Pyongyang will take a more proactive stance in cooperating on COVID-19."

Regarding the withdrawal of the US Forces Korea, Lee clearly stated his position that their presence is necessary. He explained, "I have come to the conclusion that it is right for them to be stationed here," adding, "Because I believe that the ROK-US alliance needs to be maintained militarily in the future for the strategic balance and balance of power in Northeast Asia."

On the same day, when Rep. Ji Seong-ho of the United Future Party displayed photos of some of the six South Koreans detained in North Korea on a screen installed in the hearing room and asked who they were, Lee replied, "I do not know well," but after Rep. Ji criticized him, saying, "Does the nominee for Minister of Unification not even know the citizens detained in North Korea?" Lee said, "I did not know yet. I will learn today."

He added, "I clearly express my determination to actively work so that (the South Koreans detained in North Korea) can return to the South whenever the opportunity arises."

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