Lee Jae-myung: "Inheriting Moon's Korean Peninsula Driver Theory... I Will Meet Kim Jong-un Personally"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, a leading presidential candidate from the ruling party and Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated on the 22nd that he would inherit the Moon Jae-in administration's 'Korean Peninsula Driver Theory' to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue.

On the morning of the same day, Lee held a press conference at the late former President Kim Dae-jung (DJ)'s residence in Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, where he announced a 'Korean Peninsula Peace Policy' centered on solutions to the North Korean nuclear problem.

He said, "I will inherit and develop the Kim Dae-jung administration's Sunshine Policy, the Roh Moo-hyun administration's Peace and Prosperity Policy, and the Moon Jae-in administration's Korean Peninsula Peace Process," adding, "I will succeed the Moon Jae-in administration's 'Korean Peninsula Driver Theory' and take on a more proactive role as a mediator and problem solver."

He stated, "I will concretize the plan of 'conditional sanction relief and phased simultaneous actions' and propose it to North Korea and the United States," and added, "I will meet directly with U.S. President Joe Biden and North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un to resolve the issue. From the early days of the next administration, I will push forward boldly and swiftly to achieve results."

Lee emphasized, "The 'big deal' approach, which either requires North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons first or resolves everything at once, has a low chance of success," and said, "It is realistic and practical for both North Korea and the U.S. to pursue agreements and implementation of denuclearization step-by-step and simultaneously."

He also proposed a 'Korean Peninsula Peace Economy System' pledge for practical inter-Korean relations that benefit the livelihoods of residents on both sides. He said, "Although inter-Korean agreements have already been made, I will apply to the United Nations for comprehensive and permanent sanction exemptions and persuade them to implement the reactivation of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, as well as the connection and modernization of railroads and roads, which are currently restricted due to sanctions," adding, "I will promote not only frequent reunions of separated families but also hometown visits and travel to the North."

He continued, "If desired, separated families will be able to hold funerals in their northern hometowns, and I will also promote the relocation of the graves of those who have already passed away."

However, Lee emphasized a 'practical North Korea policy,' stating, "Inter-Korean cooperation projects must be based on mutual benefits. Our people support economic cooperation, exchanges, and humanitarian aid with North Korea, but we do not agree with unilateral policies that receive no response from the North," and added, "I will demand changes in North Korea's wrong practices and attitudes."

Regarding diplomacy with the U.S. and China, he proposed 'pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests.' Lee said, "The United States is our only ally, and China is a strategic cooperative partner," adding, "There is no reason to choose one side and narrow our own room for maneuver. Competent diplomacy is to make the U.S. and China choose to cooperate with us."

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