President Lee: "North Korea's Attitude Is Cold, But We Continue to Reach Out and Make Efforts"

President Lee Holds 100th Day Press Conference on the 11th
"Improvement in North Korea-U.S. Dialogue Will Help Peace on the Korean Peninsula"

President Lee Jae Myung is holding a 100-day inauguration press conference at the Blue House State Guest House on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 11th, President Lee Jae-myung commented on inter-Korean relations, stating, "North Korea's attitude is cold," but added, "We continue to reach out. And we continue to make efforts."

President Lee made these remarks during a press conference marking his 100th day in office at the Blue House State Guest House. He explained, "In the past, the South Korean government provoked North Korea as if it was pointing fingers or even preparing for a military invasion," and added, "If anyone expected that a change of government in the South and a few conciliatory measures would turn their angry expressions into smiles, that would be naive."

President Lee continued, "Peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are serious issues not only from a military perspective but also cause tremendous economic damage," and pointed out, "If we respond to their lack of smiles with angry expressions of our own, we only harm ourselves." He further clarified, "This is not because Lee Jae-myung is pro-North Korea, but because it is necessary for South Korea's security and for the economy and people's livelihoods."

President Lee also emphasized the role of the United States in inter-Korean relations. He stated, "The issues of nuclear development, ballistic missiles, and intercontinental ballistic missiles are of direct interest to the United States," and added, "From North Korea's perspective, the core threat to their regime is not South Korea, but the United States."

President Lee further remarked, "Improvement in North Korea-U.S. relations and the opening of dialogue between North Korea and the United States would contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula," and said, "I don't think we need to insist that these developments must be led by us or take place strictly within our boundaries." He explained that his 'peacemaker' remark during the summit with U.S. President Donald Trump stemmed from this perspective.

At the same time, President Lee reiterated, "My fundamental position remains unchanged," emphasizing, "We continue to reach out. And we continue to make efforts." In response to criticism over the suspension of broadcasts toward North Korea, he countered, "It's the same as scattering leaflets."

However, President Lee admitted, "North Korea remains indifferent," and confessed, "They are the party with the most direct interests at stake, yet they are the most indifferent and hostile. It is the saddest reality."