[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Ministry of Unification urged that "the inter-Korean communication lines must be promptly restored" in relation to North Korea expressing interest in restoring inter-Korean relations through a statement by Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party, while not responding to inter-Korean contact channels.
Lee Jong-joo, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, said at a regular briefing on the 27th, "It is of utmost importance that smooth and stable communication between the two Koreas takes place in order to advance denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, establish peace, and develop inter-Korean relations through dialogue and cooperation."
The two Koreas agreed to restore the inter-Korean communication lines at the end of July, but North Korea has not responded at all to South Korea's contacts since early August, citing the South Korea-U.S. military exercises as a problem. The Ministry of Unification announced that the joint inter-Korean liaison office's opening call at 9 a.m. was not made on that day.
South Korea attempts to contact the North twice daily at 9 a.m. (opening call) and 5 p.m. (closing call).
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