Park Ji-won, Director of the National Intelligence Service, "Need to Consider Flexible Response to ROK-US Joint Military Exercises" (Update)

NIS: "Inter-Korean Communication Line Restored at Kim Jong-un's Request"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The National Intelligence Service (NIS) explained on the 3rd that the restoration of the inter-Korean communication hotline was made at the request of Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea. Park Jie-won, head of the NIS, stated that "it is necessary to consider flexible responses" regarding the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises.

Park Ji-won, Director of the National Intelligence Service, is attending and preparing for the full meeting of the Intelligence Committee held at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Kim Byung-gi of the Democratic Party of Korea and Ha Tae-kyung of the People Power Party, who serve as the floor leaders of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, briefed the press after the full meeting of the committee on the same day.

They said, "The NIS reported that Chairman Kim requested the restoration of the inter-Korean communication hotline," adding, "The background for North Korea's positive response to the restoration of the hotline appears to be the expression of willingness to restore trust and improve relations between the two Koreas through two exchanges of letters between the leaders since April," and "It also seems to have the purpose of exploring the implementation of the Panmunjom Declaration."

Regarding the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, it was conveyed that Park Jie-won, head of the NIS, stated, "While understanding the importance of the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises, it is necessary to consider flexible responses to the exercises to maintain dialogue and momentum and for the bigger picture of North Korea's denuclearization." Regarding this, Representative Kim explained, "This is the analysis from the NIS," and added, "It is not the official position of the NIS but rather the stance expressed by Director Park."

In relation to this, Representative Ha said, "This convening of the Intelligence Committee seems to be for the NIS to clarify its position on the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises," and also mentioned that "It is not desirable for the NIS to express a position regarding Kim Yo-jong's demands."

Park Ji-won, Director of the National Intelligence Service, is attending the full meeting of the Intelligence Committee held at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Regarding Chairman Kim's health condition, it was reported, "(The NIS) judges that there are no signs of health abnormalities based on observing his walking and the scenes where he deeply bows his waist in greeting."

Meanwhile, concerning rumors circulating about Director Park's resignation, it was confirmed that "Director Park has never submitted a resignation letter."

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