Lee In-young: "Kim Jong-un, Who Admitted Economic Failure, Takes an Honest and Practical Approach"

Minister of Unification Lee In-young and Chairman of the Korea Fair Trade Commission Cho Sung-wook are entering the conference room to attend the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 12th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Lee In-young, Minister of Unification, evaluated North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's recent admission of economic failure as "very honest and, in some ways, a practical approach."

Minister Lee appeared on YTN News Special on the 17th and commented on North Korea's poor economic situation due to COVID-19 and other factors, saying, "It is not realistic to say that the economic conditions are very good or favorable."

He explained, "Like a young leader, he acknowledges what needs to be acknowledged and adjusts performance indicators to fit reality."

He also mentioned the current situation where, despite efforts to improve inter-Korean relations through small-scale trade and humanitarian cooperation since his inauguration, North Korea has yet to respond significantly.

Minister Lee said, "Whether big or small, there has been no response from Pyongyang yet," adding, "In a way, it feels like spending time writing a monodrama alone," and emphasized, "I will do my utmost to create an opportunity for a turnaround within the first half of the year."

He also expressed his intention to prioritize the resumption of separated families' reunions and the reopening of the Kaesong Industrial Complex.

Regarding support for COVID-19 vaccines to North Korea, he said, "If our people's vaccination progresses to some extent and a consensus is formed among the public, we can move toward cooperation related to vaccination," and added, "I think when North Korea comes out to the international community at some point regarding vaccination cooperation, we might be able to do something."

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