Unification Minister Kwon Young-se: "This Year Must Achieve a Turning Point in Inter-Korean Relations"

Unification Ministry New Year's Ceremony Speech... Emphasizing 'Unification Preparation' Achievements
"North Korea, Persisting on the Wrong Path... What Is the Threat For?"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Kwon Young-se, Minister of Unification, emphasized on the 2nd, "This year must be a year to achieve tangible progress in inter-Korean relations and preparations for unification."

Minister Kwon stated at the Unification Ministry's New Year's ceremony held in the annex of the Government Seoul Office Building in the afternoon, "Given the current very fluid and uncertain situation on the Korean Peninsula, it is a crucial time for the Ministry of Unification's response, and we must take the lead in creating an opportunity for a turning point in inter-Korean relations."

Minister of Unification Kwon Young-se
Photo by Yonhap News

He also criticized North Korea, saying, "Since the beginning of the year, North Korea has persisted on the wrong path by ignoring the difficult livelihood of its people and threatening their lives while continuing to develop weapons of mass destruction," and added, "I hope they reconsider why they are making such threats from the start of the new year."

He continued, "We are doing our best to use our resources and strength solely for the lives of our people in this era of infinite competition before us," and asserted, "We will respond strongly and thoroughly to provocations against the safety of our people."

Minister Kwon further stated, "North Korea should reflect on whether it intends to overcome the threats it has created itself," emphasizing, "The process and failure will only leave the livelihoods of North Korean people more difficult."

He urged, "In the new year of 2023, I sincerely call on North Korea to break away from its past wrong choices and join the path of true 'denuclearization, peace, and prosperity' on the Korean Peninsula," reiterating the call to respond to the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's denuclearization roadmap, the 'Bold Initiative.'

Additionally, Minister Kwon ordered efforts to enhance the expertise of Unification Ministry staff, proactive policy implementation, policy promotion aligned with the expectations of the public and the international community, and strengthening international cooperation based on collaboration with related ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to create an opportunity for a turning point in inter-Korean relations.

At the ceremony, awards were also presented, including commendations for exemplary civil servants, excellent departments for active administration in the second half of 2022, and ministerial commendations for outstanding contributors in 2022.

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