Lee In-young "Even if North Korea talks about nukes, we must launch peace"

Minister of Unification Visits Seoul National Cemetery
"Those Who Advocate Peace Even Amid Bombings Are Justified"
"Suspected COVID-19 in Defectors Raises Concerns for North Korean Residents' Health"

Minister of Unification Lee In-young is paying respects at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on the 30th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

On the 30th, Lee In-young, Minister of Unification, commented on North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un's recent display of enhanced nuclear deterrence and nuclear state status, saying, "The more North Korea talks about nuclear weapons or missiles, the more powerfully and intensely we must launch peace."

After paying respects at the Seoul National Cemetery that morning, Minister Lee told reporters, "Peace is a stronger military deterrent than nuclear weapons." He added, "I believe that only those who call for peace in the midst of a war where bombs are falling can be more just and legitimate," emphasizing, "In that sense, the desire for peace within our people is our strongest power and weapon."

Regarding calls to demand the repatriation of a defector, presumed to have defected to the North while under police investigation in South Korea for sexual assault allegations, Minister Lee said, "An investigation is currently underway, and I believe the government should finalize its position once the investigation is complete."

Minister of Unification Lee In-young is visiting the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on the 30th to pay respects and is being interviewed by the press afterwards. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

North Korea has taken measures such as completely locking down Kaesong City, suspecting the defector who crossed over to be infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In this context, Minister Lee expressed concern for the health of North Korean residents.

He said, "We are closely monitoring and taking the lockdown and quarantine measures centered on Kaesong City very seriously," adding, "Above all, I am worried that the health of North Korean residents may deteriorate and that their daily lives may become difficult and challenging."

He continued, "I want to offer comfort with a very sincere and warm heart and convey that sentiment," reiterating the willingness for inter-Korean health and medical cooperation. He stated, "Whether in Kaesong or anywhere in the North, if there is any opportunity to cooperate regarding COVID-19 prevention, we should do so at any time," and added, "We are reviewing various situations and quietly preparing countermeasures."

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