Kwon Young-se: "Inter-Korean Relations Based on Principles, Yet Practical and Rational Decisions"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kwon Young-se, the nominee for Minister of Unification, stated on the 13th that he will make decisions regarding inter-Korean relations based on rationality and principles, while also being practical and reasonable.

At the second cabinet appointment press conference held at the transition committee in Tongui-dong that afternoon, Kwon said, "In fact, the parts based on principles and the parts that are rational and practical may seem like an oxymoron, like a 'square circle,' but now is the time for the Ministry of Unification to resolve this difficult oxymoron in handling inter-Korean relations."

Kwon, a four-term lawmaker, served as ambassador to China from 2013 to 2016. He is regarded as having expertise in diplomacy and unification, having translated the book "West Germany CDU/CSU's Ostpolitik" and contributed several columns related to German unification, such as "Kwon Young-se's Story of German Unification," to media outlets. Last year, when the "abolition of the Ministry of Unification" theory arose within the party, he also expressed his stance in favor of maintaining the ministry, putting a brake on the idea.

Although there were strong prospects that the Ministry of Unification's position would be diminished in the new government to the extent that the "abolition theory" was raised, appointing a powerful politician as the Minister of Unification is analyzed as a move to strengthen unification policy. Kwon himself initially intended to return to the party but changed his mind after receiving contact from President-elect Yoon.

Regarding his decision to join the cabinet, he explained, "I was contacted very late yesterday. I am a senior lawmaker, and considering the National Assembly's very unfavorable seat situation, I thought it would be better to stay in the party for a normal and smooth start of the new government, but the President-elect seems to think differently. I decided to follow the President-elect's will."

He assessed the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, saying, "I feel a heavy sense of responsibility. Although there have been efforts over the past five years, there has been little progress in inter-Korean relations. Recently, missile provocations have continued, dialogue has been cut off, and the external environment is very unfavorable."

He added, "The Ministry of Unification is not receiving public support. There are even voices calling for the abolition of the ministry, especially among the younger generation, which is negative. In this situation, I feel a heavy responsibility in taking charge of the Ministry of Unification."

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