South Korea's Unification Minister calls for urgent nuclear freeze, suggests 'enemy' label for North Korea needs NSC discussion

South Korean Unification Minister Jeong Jong-wook has called for an urgent freeze of North Korea's nuclear program, emphasizing that "freezing is urgent" and that the nation must "enter the entrance of a freeze."

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freezing is urgent. We must enter the entrance of a freeze.

Speaking to reporters before an event on June 19, Jeong stated that denuclearization is now a matter of reality rather than a distant goal. He suggested that simply chanting slogans for denuclearization would not be effective. He also referenced President Lee Jae-myung's proposal for a phased approach and realistic solutions, indicating a shift towards pragmatic engagement.

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Denuclearization is now a matter of reality rather than a distant goal.

Jeong also addressed the contentious phrase "North Korea's regime and military are our enemy," currently in the defense white paper. He believes this expression should be discussed within the National Security Council (NSC). This stance contrasts with a recent statement from the Ministry of National Defense, which asserted that the position on North Korea being an enemy remains unchanged. Jeong implied that the current administration, led by President Lee, is a successor to a democratic government, not to the confrontational policies of the previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration.

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If denuclearization could be achieved by chanting slogans, we would chant them every day.

In addition to policy discussions, the Ministry of Unification is focusing on peace and unification education for young people. Jeong announced plans to significantly expand the number of peace and unification education committee members from the current 4,000 to 10,000 by the end of the year. He also intends to request the Ministry of Education to reinstate the song "Our Wish," which symbolizes the desire for unification and was removed from textbooks in the late 2000s.

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The expression 'North Korea's regime and military are our enemy' should be discussed at the National Security Council.