Cheong "No Discussion on Special Envoy to North Korea, Realistic Limits Amid COVID Conditions"

Inter-Korean Communication Line Reconnected, Exchange of Letters Between Leaders... "No Discussion on COVID-19 Support"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] The Blue House stated that the issue of sending a special envoy to North Korea has not been discussed.

A Blue House official said on the 27th, in response to a question about whether a special envoy to North Korea is being considered, "(The special envoy to North Korea) has not been discussed. Given the current COVID-19 situation, there are practical limitations."

When asked whether the South and North Korean leaders discussed cooperation in health and medical fields such as COVID-19 through their letters, a Blue House official explained, "Cooperation in the health and medical sector was not discussed." The official also said, "The issue of COVID-19 support was not discussed. Specific agendas between the South and North will be negotiated going forward through reopened channels of dialogue."

The view of Cheongwadae from Namsan, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The Blue House was reserved about the method of exchanging letters between the South and North Korean leaders, stating that "communication was conducted using appropriate channels between South and North Korea."

Regarding the specific number of letter exchanges, the Blue House said, "It is difficult to confirm the exact number of letter exchanges. Also, the restoration and improvement of inter-Korean relations are expected to play a positive role in advancing North Korea-U.S. talks and denuclearization negotiations at an early stage."

Meanwhile, when asked whether cooperation was made regarding the restoration of inter-Korean communication lines during the visit of the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State to Korea, the Blue House explained, "We closely share information with the U.S. as necessary."