Jeong Dongyoung: "We Must Create a Turning Point on the Korean Peninsula Within the Next 100 Days"

On October 31, Jeong Dongyoung, Minister of Unification, stated, "I believe that this APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit has opened a new window of opportunity for peace on the Korean Peninsula." He added that although a North Korea-U.S. summit did not materialize during this APEC event, "We must seize this opportunity and create a new turning point in the situation on the Korean Peninsula within the next 100 days. I am confident that our earnest desire for peace and our sincere efforts will soon bear fruit."

Jeong Dongyoung, Minister of Unification, is reporting on duties at the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's audit of the Ministry of Unification on October 14, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On the occasion of his 100th day in office, Minister Jeong sent a letter in the form of an email message to Ministry of Unification staff, saying, "Fortunately, President Donald Trump of the United States has requested a meeting with Chairman Kim Jong Un of North Korea and has expressed a strong willingness for dialogue." He went on to say, "The previous trend of sanctions and pressure is now shifting back toward dialogue, exchange, and cooperation."

Prior to this APEC in Gyeongju, Minister Jeong had sent messages through various channels indicating a high possibility of contact between the North Korean and U.S. leaders. However, in reality, the meeting did not take place as Chairman Kim did not respond.

Nevertheless, Minister Jeong stated, "The Ministry of Unification has monitored trends more closely than any other ministry regarding the possibility of North Korea-U.S. contact during APEC and has prepared for various scenarios. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail," he said.

Minister Jeong emphasized, "What we need now is patience and courage," and added, "The Ministry of Unification will unwaveringly implement President Lee Jaemyung's national philosophy of institutionalizing peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula."

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