On Thursday, the Blue House addressed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s declaration to permanently exclude South Korea from the category of compatriots. In response, the White House emphasized that its administration will continue to work towards opening a future of peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity between North and South Korea.
A Blue House official stated through a press release that to achieve this, both sides must refrain from hostile and confrontational rhetoric and strive to build a foundation of mutual respect and trust.
According to the North Korean Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, Kim stated during the 9th Party Congress summary report that it will permanently maintain the current state of completely severed ties with South Korea and will not revive any misguided past under any circumstances. He added that the only way for South Korea to escape its geographical proximity to them is to completely renounce everything related to them and refrain from provoking them.
Kim also made it clear that he would not accept the South Korean government’s conciliatory policies, dismissing the current administration’s outwardly peaceful stance as a clumsy deception and a poor production.
However, Kim hinted at the possibility of improving relations with the U.S., stating that if the U.S. respects our nation’s current status as specified in the Constitution of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and withdraws its hostile policy toward North Korea, there’s no reason it cannot have a positive relationship. He added that the future of U.S.-North Korea relations entirely depends on the attitude of the U.S.
South Korea’s Ministry of Unification also expressed disappointment, echoing the Blue House’s stance, stating that it regrets that North Korea has declared it will maintain its hostile position against two countries and has not responded to its administration’s efforts for peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.
The Ministry added that it will firmly adhere to our three principles regarding North Korea: respecting the North Korean regime, not pursuing forced unification, and refraining from any hostile acts. It will consistently promote our policy for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula with patience, without being swayed by North Korea’s attitude.
The Unification Ministry also referenced Kim’s message regarding the U.S., recalling his statement during the Supreme People’s Assembly in September last year, where he mentioned that dialogue would be possible if the U.S. abandoned its foolish obsession with denuclearization. They assessed that this leaves some room for dialogue between North Korea and the U.S.
Unification Ministry Spokesperson Park-il reiterated during a regular press briefing that its administration will continue to make efforts to foster peaceful cooperation and mutual prosperity between North and South Korea. He added that to achieve this, both sides must refrain from hostile and confrontational rhetoric and build a foundation of mutual respect and trust.
Park emphasized that the administration will continue to engage in necessary diplomatic efforts in close coordination with the allies to ensure that dialogue with North Korea occurs as soon as possible. He stressed that the government remains committed to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and will strive for substantial progress in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue in close cooperation with the international community.
He also noted that regarding humanitarian assistance, it will continue to work diligently to achieve tangible results in close consultation with the international community.
