Seoul: Acting President Choi Sang-mok stated Thursday that South Korea is open to dialogue with North Korea but will firmly respond to any provocations from Pyongyang, leveraging its strong alliance with the United States. Choi's remarks came during a 2025 policy direction meeting focused on diplomacy and security issues, attended by officials from the National Security Office and various ministries, including foreign, unification, defense, and veterans.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi's comments followed North Korea's recent missile activities, including a hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile launch on January 6 and subsequent short-range ballistic missile tests. Addressing these developments, Choi emphasized the need to actively manage tensions, particularly in border areas, to prevent escalation while maintaining openness to inter-Korean dialogue and adapting to changing circumstances.
Choi highlighted the importance of a strong defense posture and the South Korea-U.S. alliance in responding to North Korean provocations. He stressed that in the event of any aggression, the priority is to protect citizens' lives and property while deterring further provocations with decisive measures.
Furthermore, Choi pointed to domestic political challenges, emphasizing that diplomacy and security are crucial for national survival and must be managed effectively. He urged ministers, vice ministers, and public officials to fully commit to their duties, ensuring no lapses in diplomacy and security amid challenging domestic and international situations, and to work diligently for the stable administration of state affairs.