Ministry of Unification: "The Government Does Not Aim for Absorptive Unification"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun]The Ministry of Unification drew a clear line regarding the recent mention of 'peaceful absorption unification theory' by Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, stating, "The government of the Republic of Korea does not aim for absorption unification."

On the 23rd, Deputy Spokesperson Cha Deok-cheol responded to reporters' questions about Lee's related remarks during a regular briefing, saying, "The government of the Republic of Korea has continuously upheld the 1989 National Community Unification Plan as the official unification policy."

He added, "Based on mutual respect for each other's systems between South and North Korea, we are pursuing a gradual and phased approach toward peaceful unification through activating exchanges and cooperation to resolve hostility and distrust, in accordance with agreements between the two Koreas."

He also emphasized that former President Moon Jae-in clearly stated in his 2017 speech at the K?rber Foundation in Germany, when announcing the 'Berlin Initiative,' that he does not pursue North Korean collapse, absorption unification, or pro-North unification.

Earlier, on the 21st, during a ruling and opposition party leaders' debate on SBS's 'Joo Young-jin's News Briefing,' Lee repeatedly mentioned the need to abolish the Ministry of Unification and declared, "I am a proponent of peaceful absorption unification."

Meanwhile, regarding the U.S. House of Representatives passing a bill on the 19th (local time) concerning reunions of separated families between the U.S. and North Korea, Deputy Spokesperson Cha welcomed the move, stating, "This bill will contribute to establishing an institutional foundation that allows Korean American separated families to reunite regardless of the diplomatic and military situation between the U.S. and North Korea."

He also promised, "When there is an opportunity for inter-Korean dialogue in the future, we will continue consultations with the North to ensure that issues concerning separated families, including those of Korean Americans, are practically resolved."

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