On December 19, President Lee Jae Myung addressed the issue of improving inter-Korean relations, stating that it should make the best efforts with patience and take proactive measures to ease hostilities between North and South Korea. This could potentially foster even a small amount of trust. He believes this role should primarily be undertaken by the Ministry of Unification.
During a government briefing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification at the Government Complex in Seoul, President Lee acknowledged that it’s clear that improving inter-Korean relations is not an easy task, but that doesn’t mean it should give up.
His mention of the Ministry of Unification’s role appears to indirectly address recent conflicts between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification regarding North Korea policies. This suggests he believes the Ministry of Unification should take the lead in facilitating dialogue between North and South Korea. President Lee also emphasized that as a divided nation, the role of the Ministry of Unification is crucial.
He expressed concern, saying that when he looks at inter-Korean relations lately, it feels as if it has truly become enemies. In the past, it seemed like it was pretending to be enemies, but now it feels like it’s genuinely becoming adversaries.
He continued that even without discussing shared values as a Korean ethnic community, it shouldn’t needlessly quarrel due to practical necessities. Increased hostility leads directly to economic losses. He added that however, it seems it has developed real animosity due to unnecessarily adopting a hardline policy.
President Lee remarked that this is the first time North Korea has erected triple barbed-wire fences across the entire border, cut off roads, and built barriers. It often says, North Korea is trying to invade, and such claims may seem credible, but if one looks at reality, North Korea is worried that South Korea might invade, which is why they are building these fences and barriers.
He emphasized that as he mentioned before, it needs to find a way to communicate, dialogue, cooperate, and pursue coexistence and mutual prosperity, but right now, there isn’t even a tiny opening for that. He insisted that it needs to find our footing again. It must patiently work to improve the situation where North Korea fundamentally rejects any contact.
Regarding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Lee stated that it seems that even the current international economic order relies heavily on diplomacy. The same goes for security issues. He noted that peace is the most certain security policy, and he believes that even peace is significantly influenced by diplomacy.
He added that as international competition intensifies in the economic sector, he believes diplomacy plays a crucial role in expanding the economic influence globally. He urged that the overseas missions should serve as a foothold and spearhead for cultural outreach and economic expansion.