[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] With North Korea restoring the inter-Korean communication lines as of the 4th, attention is focused on what the next step for improving inter-Korean relations will be. Amid discussions of various measures such as inter-Korean video conferences at all levels, reunions of separated families, and humanitarian cooperation, Jeong Se-hyun, former Senior Vice Chairman of the National Unification Advisory Council, proposed initiating ministerial-level talks under the name of the Minister of Unification as the first step.
On the morning of the 5th, Jeong appeared on TBS Radio and said, "Proposing ministerial-level talks is the proper order," emphasizing that once Lee In-young, the Minister of Unification, returns from his European tour, this should be promptly pursued. Minister Lee also stated to reporters in Berlin, Germany, on the 3rd (local time), "I will strive to hold a high-level inter-Korean meeting within this year."
However, considering North Korea's COVID-19 quarantine situation, Jeong stressed that practical discussions on establishing a video conference system should proceed simultaneously. He said, "We should practically discuss preparing for video conferences, and on one side propose ministerial-level talks," adding, "The first issue will probably be discussing the reestablishment of the Joint Liaison Office."
As the Blue House likens the improvement of inter-Korean relations to "laying stepping stones" and promotes gradual progress, attention is on whether ministerial-level video talks can become the next stepping stone following the restoration of the inter-Korean communication lines. The South Korean government has already set up a 'Inter-Korean Video Conference Room' at the Inter-Korean Talks Headquarters in April, enabling video meetings with the North through a dedicated communication line. Additionally, reunions of separated families and humanitarian cooperation are also being mentioned as likely stepping stones.
However, to advance these discussions and lead to the 'Declaration of the End of War' proposed by President Moon Jae-in, there remains the challenge of persuading the United States and the international community, which are firm on North Korea's missile provocations and sanctions. On the 4th (local time), the UN Security Council's Panel of Experts on North Korea sanctions reported that "while North Korea is focusing on overcoming economic difficulties, it continues to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missile technology," criticizing North Korea's behavior. The U.S. State Department also emphasized "compliance with Security Council resolutions and full implementation of UN sanctions" in a spokesperson briefing on the same day.
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