Kim Yojong Says "No Reason to Sit Down with South Korea"... Lee Stresses Importance of Restoring Trust in Peaceful Atmosphere

President Lee Asks Unification Minister About "Kim Yojong's Statement"
Minister Chung Dongyoung: "I Will Strive for Peace Policies"

President Lee Jae Myung is taking a commemorative photo with Minister of Unification Jeong Dong Young after presenting the appointment letter at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 28th. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee Jaemyung emphasized the importance of restoring trust between South and North Korea in a peaceful atmosphere in response to the statement released by Kim Yojong, Deputy Director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea.

According to Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, President Lee made these remarks during a tea time with newly appointed cabinet members after presenting their letters of appointment at the presidential office on the 28th. He asked Minister of Unification Chung Dongyoung for his opinion on Deputy Director Kim's statement and made this comment. In response, Minister Chung said, "Due to years of hostile policies, the wall of distrust between the two Koreas is high, so I will work hard to promote peace policies."

On the same day, Deputy Director Kim issued a statement declaring, "Inter-Korean relations have completely moved beyond the time zone of the concept of being one people," and added, "We officially reiterate that we have no interest in whatever policies are established or proposals are made in Seoul, and that there is no reason for us to sit down with South Korea or discuss any issues." Regarding President Lee, Deputy Director Kim criticized, "His blind faith in the South Korea-U.S. alliance and confrontational stance toward us is no different from his predecessors."

President Lee also instructed Defense Minister Ahn Kyubaek, "Personnel appointments at the Ministry of National Defense are extremely important after the martial law situation," and directed him to "promote special promotions for officers who responded passively to illegal and unjust orders." President Lee asked National Tax Service Commissioner Lim Gwanghyeon to "correct the wrongdoings of the previous administration and work to normalize taxation." He also told Minister of SMEs and Startups Han Seongsook, "You must provide opportunities for failed entrepreneurs and talented individuals to make a comeback," according to spokesperson Kang.