Unification Minister counters Foreign Minister on peace initiative, citing need for ideals

South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has publicly disagreed with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun's assessment of the Unification Ministry's peace initiative, stating that "ideals are necessary to change reality." Chung's remarks came in response to Cho's characterization of the ministry's peace framework and proposed four-party talks (involving North Korea, the U.S., and China) as "idealistic" and "uncoordinated."

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We must cooperate with each other to help the government.

Speaking to reporters, Chung emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial cooperation, saying, "We must cooperate with each other to help the government." He also referenced President Lee Jae-myung's emphasis on peace as essential for the economy, noting the president's encouragement for the Unification Ministry to persevere with its peace policies despite difficulties.

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Despite the difficulties, [President Lee] told us to continue with the peace coexistence policy with patience, like an echo without a sound. He gave us encouragement and support for peace coexistence.

A Unification Ministry official further defended the ministry's approach, stating that their report to the president and the public was about "making every effort to find even small opportunities to create peace in difficult circumstances." The official asserted that this stance is "not idealistic but the most realistic and practical approach at this moment."

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The Unification Ministry reported to the president and the public that we are constantly striving to find even small opportunities to create peace in difficult circumstances. This approach is not idealistic but is the most realistic and practical at this time.

The ministry also addressed its proposal to replace the term ' 주적' (main enemy) and refer to North Korea by its official name. An official indicated that they would carefully consider these matters, keeping the president's remarks in mind and listening to voices from various sectors. President Lee had previously expressed caution on the matter, noting that "even a single expression can become a subject of political conflict."

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Keeping the president's words in mind, we plan to listen carefully to voices from all walks of life and meticulously review related matters.