Seoul: Keeping the possibility of adjusting joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises open to consultation may help revive dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has said, as both Seoul and Washington explore ways to reengage with Pyongyang.

According to Yonhap News Agency, "South Korea-U.S. combined exercises are only a means of achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula, not an end in themselves," Chung stated at a press conference the previous day. The minister emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining flexibility in military exercises to foster a conducive environment for dialogue.

Chung highlighted President Lee Jae Myung's remarks that maintaining a stance open to discussing these exercises could facilitate U.S. negotiations with North Korea. The minister reiterated that this approach should serve as a primary guideline for future diplomatic efforts.

The comments from Chung come as both Seoul and Washington continue their efforts to resume long-stalled discussions with North Korea. These discussions are critical for addressing the security concerns arising from Pyongyang's nuclear weapons development, an issue that remains a significant challenge for regional stability in the Korean Peninsula.