Jeong Responds to North Korea Policy Discord: "Same Goal... South Korea-U.S. Drills Are a Means, Not an End"

On the 10th, Minister of Unification Jeong Dongyoung addressed the recent controversy over discrepancies in the government's key personnel and North Korea policy coordination with the United States, stating, "The goal is the same, but there are differences in methodology." Regarding the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, he added, "That is a means, not an end."

Minister Jeong made these remarks in response to related questions at a workshop with the Unification Ministry press corps held at Sono Calm Goyang in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province on the same day, saying, "I don't think we need to divide everything into black and white logic."

Jeong Dongyoung, Minister of Unification, is holding a meeting with the Unification Ministry press corps at Sono Calm Goyang in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province on the 10th. Ministry of Unification

Minister Jeong, who is classified as part of the so-called "independent faction," has argued for the need to adjust the South Korea-U.S. combined military exercises to improve North Korea-U.S. talks and inter-Korean relations next year. In contrast, Wi Sung-rak, National Security Office Director at the Presidential Office and considered part of the "alliance faction," has stated, "It is not under consideration," which has led to concerns about discord. Kevin Kim, Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, also recently expressed the necessity of maintaining sanctions against North Korea during a meeting with Minister Jeong, emphasizing the need for close South Korea-U.S. cooperation.

Regarding discord within the government, Minister Jeong said, "It is true that the Ministry of Unification, Ministry of National Defense, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have different reasons for existence, perspectives, and viewpoints, but the ability to integrate and coordinate these is what matters." He added, "If there were shortcomings in that process, it is the responsibility of all of us in the government." He continued, "The Ministry of Unification is a special government agency established to carry out the task of peaceful unification in accordance with the Constitution," and asked, "Please do not see this as conflict between ministries, but as each ministry fulfilling its respective role."

Regarding differences in views on the South Korea-U.S. combined military exercises, he cited President Lee Jaemyung's remarks at a press conference, stating, "Adjusting the training schedule could, depending on the situation, become either a result or a leverage point for improving inter-Korean relations," and added, "This should be my standard. The most accurate answer is that (the South Korea-U.S. combined exercises) are a means, not an end."

Minister Jeong also commented on the conversation with Acting Ambassador Kim, saying, "It is against diplomatic protocol to mention the content of a conversation between an ambassador of an allied nation and a government minister," but he expressed deep regret that the content of Ambassador Kim's remarks was leaked to certain media outlets. He stated, "Given the significant tasks such as cooperation with North Korea, uranium enrichment, and nuclear-powered submarines, close cooperation between South Korea and the United States is essential." However, he also emphasized, "The policies on the Korean Peninsula and inter-Korean relations are matters of our sovereignty, and the Ministry of Unification is the main counterpart for consultations with allied nations. We will cooperate closely on North Korea policy as necessary."

Jeong Dongyoung, Minister of Unification, is holding a meeting with the Unification Ministry press corps at Sono Calm Goyang in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province on the 10th. Ministry of Unification

Meanwhile, Minister Jeong described the period remaining until U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China in April next year as a "critical time." He said, "The next four months will be a watershed moment, determining whether we move toward peace or remain at the current status quo," and stressed, "It is necessary to create conditions for dialogue and take active measures to shift the situation on the Korean Peninsula toward peace." He further stated, "To implement effective and peaceful measures, we must objectively consider what North Korea perceives as threats in a historical context." He reiterated, "The South Korea-U.S. combined military exercises are necessary for peace and the restoration of wartime operational control, but they are a means, not an end."

Minister Jeong also addressed North Korea, which is set to hold the 9th Party Congress of the Workers' Party next year, and Chairman Kim Jong Un, saying, "Unlike in the past, cooperation with China has been restored, and the alliance with Russia has become a support, so what is there to fear that prevents cooperation with the South?" He urged, "Chairman Kim should join hands with the international community and the Lee Jaemyung administration to cooperate for the transformation of people's livelihoods, as he has promised."