Seoul Ministries Clash Over North Korea Policy Approach

A public disagreement has emerged between South Korea's Minister of Unification, Cho Myung-gyun, and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, concerning the approach to North Korea policy. The dispute centers on the unification ministry's recent proposals, which Foreign Minister Cho Hyun described as "idealistic" and "difficult to achieve."

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Ideals are necessary to change reality.

Minister Cho Myung-gyun responded to the criticism by stating, "Ideals are necessary to change reality." He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the ministries for the government's benefit. A source from the Unification Ministry further clarified that their approach, which includes seeking opportunities for peace even in difficult circumstances, is not idealistic but "the most realistic and practical." This statement directly counters Foreign Minister Cho Hyun's assessment made after reviewing the Unification Ministry's work report.

The Unification Ministry's proposals included attending the Eastern Economic Forum hosted by Russia and preparing conditions for a four-way talk involving North Korea, the United States, China, and South Korea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, reiterated on Thursday that the unification ministry's proposals require coordination. A senior official from the Foreign Ministry noted their cautious approach in negotiations with other countries, suggesting that pursuing a four-way talk involving South Korea and China while North Korea-U.S. dialogue conditions are not yet ripe lacks realism.

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It is not idealistic but the most realistic and practical.

This public divergence of opinions between government ministries regarding a presidential work report is unusual and has led to speculation about a potential resurgence of the 'pro-sovereignty versus pro-alliance' debate concerning North Korea policy leadership. Despite the apparent friction, a Foreign Ministry official assured that the ministries communicate regularly and that issues raised by the Unification Ministry will be coordinated through the National Security Council, emphasizing a unified approach.

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The Foreign Ministry approaches issues with considerable caution from the perspective of negotiating with the other party.