[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Amid the deadlock in inter-Korean and North Korea-US talks due to North Korea's opposition to the South Korea-US joint military exercises, Lee In-young, Minister of Unification, held a breakfast meeting with Sung Kim, US Special Representative for North Korea, on the 24th to discuss ways to open the door to dialogue with North Korea. Attention is focused on whether concrete plans for humanitarian aid, which were also discussed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the previous day, will emerge at this meeting.
According to the Ministry of Unification, Minister Lee held a breakfast meeting with Representative Kim for nearly an hour in the morning to discuss North Korea-related issues. The Ministry of Unification stated, "They shared an overall assessment of the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and discussed cooperation measures to promptly resume inter-Korean and North Korea-US dialogue and cooperation to advance the joint goals of South Korea and the US, including the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the establishment of lasting peace, and the sustainable development of inter-Korean relations."
It is highly likely that humanitarian aid to North Korea was also discussed at this meeting. Minister Lee and the Ministry of Unification have consistently emphasized the need for humanitarian aid to North Korea, particularly advocating for the prompt resumption of health and medical cooperation amid the COVID-19 situation. Vice Minister Choi Young-jun also mentioned the need for humanitarian aid during a high-level bilateral consultation with Representative Kim the previous day. Potential humanitarian aid measures for North Korea include COVID-19 vaccines and flood damage support through COVAX.
The US expressing support for inter-Korean humanitarian cooperation is also a positive sign. After the North Korea nuclear chief representative talks the previous day, Representative Kim stated, "The US will continue to support inter-Korean humanitarian cooperation projects," and in a KBS interview on the same day, when asked about the possibility of phased easing of sanctions in response to North Korea's denuclearization measures at Yongbyon and other sites, he indicated a flexible approach by saying, "We are willing to address all issues and concerns, including important matters for North Korea."
North Korea's response is also being closely watched. Unlike the sharp statements made by Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party, before the start of the South Korea-US joint military exercises, North Korea has remained silent during the joint exercises. Lee Jong-joo, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, said, "There has been no response from North Korea regarding Representative Kim's visit to South Korea so far." It is interpreted that North Korea is waiting to see what cards Representative Kim will present to resume dialogue before responding.
Meanwhile, the South Korean government will also hold North Korea nuclear talks with Russia to discuss ways to resume dialogue with North Korea. Noh Kyu-duk, Director-General for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Igor Margulov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Asia-Pacific of Russia, will hold South Korea-Russia North Korea nuclear chief representative talks at a hotel in Seoul in the morning.
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