Nairobi: Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has stated that inter-Korean relations have reached a complete cutoff in recent years, asserting that resolving this rupture is a responsibility of the Lee Jae Myung administration.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung made these remarks during an online speech at the World Korea Forum, which was held at the University of Nairobi in Kenya. He highlighted that over the past six years, interactions between the two Koreas have dwindled, with private-level contacts dropping to zero. Chung emphasized the urgency of restoring these ties under the current South Korean government.
The minister pointed out that South and North Korea should not be considered as two separate entities, referring to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's 2023 statement that described the Koreas as hostile nations. Chung expressed optimism that North Korea's stance might change, as change is inevitable.
Chung also underscored the need for a consistent approach to North Korea policy, indicating that inter-Korean relations have experienced significant fluctuations based on the political climate in South Korea.