Lee In-young "Recent Rise in International Tensions... Reflecting Once Again on the 'Pyeongchang Spirit'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Lee In-young, Minister of Unification, stated on the 22nd that the Korean Peninsula issue has reached an important turning point amid rising tensions in the international situation, emphasizing the need for the 'Pyeongchang Spirit'.

On the 22nd, Minister Lee attended the '2022 Pyeongchang Peace Forum Opening Ceremony' and said, "Amid significantly heightened tensions in the international situation, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, which is at a deadlock, is also becoming increasingly uncertain."

Minister Lee said, "This is an important turning point that will determine the future of the Korean Peninsula issue and peace. It is true that the situation we currently face is fluid and does not seem easy to resolve, but especially at times like this, we are reminded once again of the 'Pyeongchang Spirit' that ignited the flame of peace on the Korean Peninsula."

He added, "The 'Spring of Pyeongchang' in 2018 did not come by chance nor was it given automatically. At the time of the Moon Jae-in administration's inauguration in 2017, the Korean Peninsula was on the brink of tension and confrontation due to North Korea's nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches."

He continued, "In the midst of that, President Moon Jae-in declared the 'Berlin Initiative,' including the realization of the Pyeongchang Peace Olympics, to North Korea and the international community. After many twists and turns, in 2018, North Korea responded to dialogue and negotiations starting with its participation in the Pyeongchang Olympics, allowing us to begin a new peace journey that we had never taken before."

Minister Lee stated, "The lesson from Pyeongchang is clear: determining the direction of peace on the Korean Peninsula depends not on the immediate surrounding circumstances and conditions, but ultimately on the firm efforts and will of us, the parties to peace."

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