Seoul: New Unification Minister Chung Dong-young announced his intention to propose adjustments to the joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States to President Lee Jae Myung. This announcement came shortly after North Korea criticized the drills, labeling Seoul's adherence to its alliance with Washington as "blind."
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung confirmed his plan to reporters, stating his intent to discuss potential adjustments with President Lee. The South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, known as the Ulchi Freedom Shield, are scheduled for mid-August.
Chung's announcement followed a statement from Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who accused the current South Korean administration of blindly following the alliance with the United States. She declared Pyongyang's refusal to engage in talks with Seoul, criticizing President Lee for continuing military exercises akin to those under former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Chung emphasized the difference in policy approaches between the Lee Jae Myung administration and that of his predecessor, Yoon. He expressed his belief that adjustments to the military exercises are possible, depending on the government's will, and noted that the upcoming exercise might serve as a measure of the Lee administration's stance toward North Korea.
The proposed adjustments will be a key topic at an upcoming National Security Council working-level meeting on Tuesday. The unification ministry promised to disclose details following the session. Chung highlighted the potential for these exercises to act as a barometer for the administration's North Korea policies.
The presidential office later stated that a decision regarding the military drills would be made after consulting with relevant ministries, including unification and defense.
On his first day in office, Chung also directed ministry officials to facilitate legal exchanges between South Koreans and North Koreans, eliminating the need for prior permission from the ministry. This move aims to revive private-level inter-Korean exchanges, which have been nearly frozen in recent years.