Kim Geun-sik Criticizes Lee In-young Urging Inter-Korean Cooperation on 10th Anniversary of Yeonpyeong Island Shelling... "Like Offering Condolence Money at a Funeral"

The bereaved families of the late Sergeant Seo Jeong-woo and the late Private Moon Gwang-wook are paying tribute by laying flowers at the 10th anniversary memorial ceremony for the Battle of Yeonpyeong Island heroes held on the morning of the 23rd at Daejeon National Cemetery in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Kim Geun-sik, the head of the People Power Party's Songpa-byeong district committee in Seoul, criticized Minister of Unification Lee In-young on the 23rd for bringing up inter-Korean economic cooperation discussions on the 10th anniversary of the Yeonpyeong Island shelling.

On the same day, Kim shared an article on his Facebook about Minister Lee holding a luncheon meeting with business circles emphasizing the development of inter-Korean relations on the 10th anniversary of the Yeonpyeong Island shelling, saying, "If one were normal, they would cancel drinking appointments and come home early to solemnly commemorate on the family's memorial day."

He continued, "(This day) marks the 10th anniversary of the Yeonpyeong Island incident, where civilians were first killed by North Korean shelling of civilian residential areas after the Korean War," adding, "Despite South Korean civilians being killed by North Korean forces in the West Sea, our government has yet to properly investigate the truth, punish those responsible, or prevent recurrence, and has not even properly protested to the North."

He further stated, "On the 10th anniversary of the Yeonpyeong Island shelling, instead of raising awareness of the North's provocations, the Minister of Unification is chasing the mirage of inter-Korean economic cooperation, which is absurd. Isn't this like setting a feast on a memorial day?" He criticized, "It is akin to attending a condolence visit and giving congratulatory money, or sending congratulatory wreaths to a funeral hall. Ignoring the reality of inter-Korean relations and obsessing only over impossible ideals of inter-Korean relations makes him nothing but a dreamer."

Lee In-young, Minister of Unification, is speaking at the 'Unification Ministry-Economic Leaders Meeting' held on the afternoon of the 23rd at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, on the 10th anniversary of the Yeonpyeong Island shelling, Minister Lee met with executives from the four major groups?Samsung, SK, LG, and Hyundai Motor Group?and held a luncheon meeting with the business community at the Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul.

At the meeting, Minister Lee said, "For us, it is important to create a strategic space that allows North Korea to come out as a venue for inter-Korean cooperation ahead of any other country," and added, "During this major transformation of the situation, it is important for the government and companies to share roles and have time for inter-Korean economic cooperation," urging companies to play a role in the development of inter-Korean relations.