Lee In-young: "Reviewed the New Economic Vision for the Korean Peninsula... but Not a Single Mention of Nuclear Power"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Minister of Unification Lee In-young dismissed the controversy over 'North Korean nuclear power plants,' stating that the materials related to the New Economic Map for the Korean Peninsula do not include any content about nuclear power plants.

Minister Lee appeared on TBS Radio's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' on the 1st and said, "We urgently reviewed the 40-page document related to the New Economic Map for the Korean Peninsula, but there was not a single mention of nuclear power plants."

This was a clarification regarding some reports that the 'New Economic Map for the Korean Peninsula' file, which President Moon Jae-in handed to Chairman Kim Jong-un via USB during the April 27, 2018 inter-Korean summit, contained content related to nuclear power plants.

Minister Lee stated, "Although my knowledge as the Minister of Unification may be limited, as the department responsible for overall discussions related to the New Economic Map, the Ministry of Unification has never discussed building nuclear power plants in North Korea under any circumstances," adding, "From a politician's perspective rather than as a minister, I can't help but think (the opposition party) is doing this because of the election."

He added, "Actually, every time there is an election, the opposition party often intensifies their attacks using terms like 'North wind,' 'left-wing,' or 'leftist,'" and said, "There are many aspects of this that are politically motivated, which is my personal view as a politician."

He expressed optimism about inter-Korean relations. Minister Lee said, "Since last September, there have been exchanges of letters between the South and North Korean leaders, and during the West Sea public official shooting incident, the North unusually quickly conveyed an apology. Also, in the speech at the military parade, they sent a conciliatory message toward South Korea," adding, "In that context, there was a strong possibility that inter-Korean relations could shift back to a conciliatory phase."

He also interpreted Chairman Kim's remark at the 8th Party Congress that "things could return to the spring days three years ago" as indicating North Korea's willingness and openness to dialogue.

Regarding the North's demand to postpone the March South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, he said, "Personally, from a politician's standpoint, if postponing the military exercises can open the door to improving inter-Korean relations, I think choosing that direction would also benefit national interests," adding, "Could we not create more opportunities to resolve the March situation more flexibly and wisely, rather than through conflict or tension?"

He emphasized that Japan could also use the Tokyo Olympics as an opportunity to open a new chapter in the Korean Peninsula issue. Minister Lee said, "If I were Prime Minister Suga, I would wisely use the Tokyo Olympics as a turning point to improve relations with North Korea and resolve Japan's longstanding issues."

He also expressed the Ministry of Unification's intention to make good use of the six months during which the Biden administration's initial policy team is being formed. Minister Lee said, "Our goal is to restore inter-Korean relations in the first half of this year and to get the Korean Peninsula peace process back on track in the second half. We are approaching this very actively," calling it a "hit-and-run type plan."

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