Inter-Korean Leaders Exchange Letters... Expectations for 'Inter-Korean Relations Improvement' Ahead of Term End (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in, who is approaching the end of his term, exchanged letters with Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of North Korea, expressing hopes for improved inter-Korean relations.

On the 22nd, the Korean Central News Agency reported, "Comrade Kim Jong-un exchanged letters with South Korean President Moon Jae-in."

The agency stated that General Secretary Kim received a letter from President Moon on the 20th and sent a reply letter the following day. The agency added, "Both sides shared the view that if they continue to make sincere efforts with hope, inter-Korean relations will improve and develop in accordance with the aspirations and expectations of the nation."

The agency also recalled that General Secretary Kim "recalled the historic joint declarations made by the inter-Korean leaders, which gave hope for the future to the entire nation," and "highly appreciated President Moon Jae-in's dedication and efforts for the national cause until the end of his term."

The Blue House also announced on the same day that "the inter-Korean leaders exchanged letters." Detailed information will be released in the morning.

With the exchange of letters between the inter-Korean leaders near the end of President Moon's term, attention is focused on whether this will serve as an opportunity to improve inter-Korean relations. Last year, the restoration of the inter-Korean communication hotline was achieved following a letter exchange. Recently, North Korea has continued military provocations and has escalated tensions by unilaterally dismantling South Korean facilities such as golf courses and hotels.

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