청, US Presidential Election Outcome on Alert... "Regardless of Who Wins, Our Goal is Complete Denuclearization of North Korea"

Seo Hoon, Director of National Security Office, Attends National Assembly Audit
"Regardless of Outcome, Close ROK-US Alliance Cooperation"
"Declaration of End of War, Denuclearization Peace Regime Key Momentum"

Seo Hoon, Director of the National Security Office, is reporting on duties at the National Assembly's Steering Committee hearing on the Presidential Secretariat, National Security Office, and Presidential Security Service held on the 4th.

As the vote counting for the U.S. presidential election was in full swing on the 4th, Suh Hoon, Director of the National Security Office at the Blue House, stated, "Whether it is a Democratic or Republican administration in the U.S., the consistent goal for our government is the complete denuclearization of North Korea."

Director Suh appeared before the National Assembly's Steering Committee for a government audit and, when asked about the potential impact of the U.S. election results on North Korea policy, replied, "The fundamental goal remains the same, with only differences in approach."

He emphasized, "Regardless of the outcome of the U.S. election, we will make every effort under close cooperation with any administration to achieve denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and establish a peace regime. Given the prolonged stagnation in inter-Korean relations, we must not delay efforts toward peace on the peninsula."

When Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Seung-rae asked if they had prepared response plans depending on which candidate wins the U.S. election, Suh answered, "We have done our best to prepare accordingly."

Regarding which candidate’s plan is more extensive, he said, "Both sides inevitably have substantial plans," adding, "We have had many discussions and a foundation for cooperation with President Donald Trump's side. Also, even if a Democratic administration is established, there is extensive experience of cooperation between the Korean government and the Democratic Party."

He reiterated, "Ultimately, how to achieve denuclearization of North Korea as soon as possible is a joint task for South Korea and the U.S. Regardless of the situation, we will maintain thorough communication with the U.S. and move toward our goal."

Regarding the "End of War Declaration," which President Moon Jae-in himself has reiterated as a signal, Director Suh emphasized, "The End of War Declaration can be utilized as a very important momentum on the path toward denuclearization and a peace regime."

He said, "Although the End of War Declaration is a political declaration, discussions on a peace agreement and denuclearization will naturally proceed alongside it as multiple world leaders gather to discuss the declaration."

He added, "The peace agreement will inevitably include the End of War Declaration. President Moon also said that the declaration is a gateway to the path of denuclearization and a peace regime."

Director Suh explained, "Discussions on the End of War Declaration have been ongoing between South Korea and the U.S. Even after my recent visit to the U.S., Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned that 'the End of War Declaration is always on the table.'"

When People Power Party lawmaker Shin Won-sik expressed skepticism about whether the End of War Declaration would serve as a driving force for North Korea’s denuclearization, Suh responded, "From North Korea’s perspective, the End of War Declaration is considered a discussion linked to denuclearization talks."

He further stated, "President Moon, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, and U.S. President Donald Trump have held summits and reached many agreements. Kim Jong-un’s commitments, whether documented or verbal, have been secured. However, it is regrettable that we have not yet reached the stage of implementation."

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