Seoul: Unification Minister nominee Chung Dong-young has emphasized the importance of restoring the strained relations between South and North Korea to reestablish peace on the Korean Peninsula. During a parliamentary confirmation hearing, Chung highlighted the need for renewed efforts towards reconciliation and cooperation with North Korea, aligning with President Lee Jae Myung's commitment to mending inter-Korean ties.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung proposed resuming the implementation of agreements reached between the two Koreas, as part of efforts to repair relations that remain in disrepair. Having been nominated last month as the first unification minister under the current administration, Chung brings prior experience as a unification minister from 2004-05 during President Roh Moo-hyun's tenure.
Chung addressed North Korea's recent characterization of inter-Korean relations as hostile, attributing it to the previous South Korean government's hard-line stance. He drew comparisons to the pragmatic approach of East and West Germany, which pursued unification through exchanges and cooperation while acknowledging their separation.
Further, Chung referenced former President Moon Jae-in's 2017 proposal to suspend joint military exercises with the United States, noting its success in resuming dialogue during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. He suggested this topic should be deliberated in National Security Council meetings.
Additionally, Chung proposed renaming the unification ministry to better reflect its mission, suggesting options like the Ministry of the Korean Peninsula. He emphasized the importance of discussing such changes with the National Assembly.