Song Young-gil: "Vegan is Different from Harris, Positive about Individual Tourism to North Korea"

Lee Do-hoon, Director General for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Steve Biegun, U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy at the Department of State, are holding a brief press conference on the 16th at the briefing room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Steven Biegun, Deputy Secretary of State, is reported to have expressed a "positive" stance on the South Korean government's push for individual tourism to North Korea.

On the 22nd, Song Young-gil, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "After hearing the report from Lee Do-hoon (Director General for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), unlike Ambassador Harris who expressed a rather negative stance, it seems that Lee Do-hoon and Biegun had a good discussion."

Lee, the director general, met with Deputy Secretary Biegun at the U.S. Department of State in Washington DC on the 16th (local time).

Song said, "It seems that a positive dialogue took place," adding, "It is quite possible because President Trump has promoted the prevention of North Korea's nuclear tests and additional ICBM provocations as diplomatic achievements so far."

He continued, "Just as there is no free lunch, you cannot indefinitely stop North Korea's nuclear and ICBM tests without any sanctions relief or compensation," and mentioned, "South Korea has no choice but to help."

There is an expectation that easing tensions somewhat through the liberalization of individual travel will create a justification.

Song said, "The government's position is that this is not a matter requiring consent or permission from the U.S., but should be understood as seeking understanding as an ally, notifying and providing prior explanation."