Jeong Eui-yong, "Focusing Diplomatic Efforts on the US to Establish the Korean Peninsula Peace Process"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Jeong Eui-yong, the nominee for Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed his views on diplomacy toward the United States and North Korea policy during the confirmation hearing.

Foreign Minister nominee Chung Eui-yong is attending the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee on the 5th, responding to the members' questions. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

This revealed that establishing the Korea Peninsula Peace Process based on strengthening the ROK-US alliance is his top priority.

In his opening remarks at the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee confirmation hearing on the 5th, Jeong said, “Based on a coordinated strategy with the newly launched U.S. administration, I will focus diplomatic efforts on laying the foundation for substantive denuclearization progress through the early resumption of North Korea-U.S. talks.”

Jeong also presented specific plans for strengthening the ROK-US alliance.

He said, “I will promptly promote exchanges between leaders and high-level officials with the Biden administration to build trust and policy consensus,” adding, “We will rationally resolve alliance issues and strengthen global partnerships such as health security and climate change to further solidify the ROK-US alliance and broaden the horizon of cooperation.”

He added, “Based on these efforts, I will develop the ROK-US alliance, which is the foundation of our diplomacy and security policy, into a healthier, mutually beneficial, and comprehensive alliance.”

In response to a question from Kim Young-joo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, about the necessary approach for resuming North Korea-U.S. negotiations, Jeong said, “(North Korea and the U.S.) should agree on the final stage and final form of denuclearization, and a step-by-step approach involving one or two intermediate stages to reach that final goal is the most realistic,” adding, “I will consult with the U.S. side on this.”

Regarding the government’s role in the early resumption of North Korea-U.S. talks, he said, “First, a new trust relationship between North Korea and the U.S. must be established,” and “Coordination between the two countries on where the starting point of negotiations is will be necessary.”

In response to a question from Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party, who said, “Before considering inter-Korean relations, it seems inevitable to reduce military exercises due to the COVID-19 crisis,” Jeong replied, “That is correct,” adding, “Considering such circumstances, the ROK and U.S. military authorities are closely consulting on implementation plans.”

He said, “I expect that the U.S. new administration’s review of North Korea policy will not take that much time,” and “During the review process of North Korea policy, they have stated that they will prioritize reviewing and consulting the South Korean government’s opinions, which I see as a positive signal.”

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