Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung stated that President Lee Jaemyung commented on the decision to repatriate six North Korean residents who were rescued after drifting at sea, saying, "If there are no issues according to various verification results, wouldn't it be best to respect their wishes?"
During a briefing on July 7, when asked whether the President had been briefed about reports that the North Korean residents could be repatriated as early as this week, Spokesperson Kang replied, "He has been briefed," and conveyed the President's remarks.
Kang further explained the President's comments, saying, "If they simply crossed the Military Demarcation Line after drifting and wish to return to their hometowns where their families and livelihoods are, then from a humanitarian perspective, that is why he made such remarks."
Additionally, Kang expressed regret, saying, "Personally, it is unfortunate that news of the repatriation was reported before it actually took place."
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