Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Monday emphasized the need to restore trust with North Korea by fostering a peaceful atmosphere, following Pyongyang's outright rejection of his offer for dialogue.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee highlighted the significance of rebuilding trust during a ceremony where he presented a letter of appointment to the new Unification Minister, Chung Dong-young. The event took place shortly after Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, issued a statement declaring that Pyongyang has no interest in any policy or proposal from South Korea.
"It is important to restore trust between South and North Korea while making efforts to build peace," Lee was quoted as saying by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. In response, Chung pledged to work toward establishing peace, noting "a high wall of distrust has formed between the two Koreas due to years of hostile policies," according to Kang.
Since taking office in early June, the Lee administration has taken steps such as suspending loudspeaker broadcasts along the border and urging civic groups to halt anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to mend frayed ties and resume dialogue between the two Koreas.