Seoul: Unification Minister Chung Dong-young stated that South Korea's decision to co-sponsor the U.N. resolution on North Korean human rights was achieved through interagency coordination. This marks a shift from previous expectations as the decision indicates a balancing act between international responsibilities and diplomatic considerations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung had previously opposed the co-sponsorship, citing North Korea's objections. However, the foreign ministry announced that South Korea would join other nations in supporting the resolution, reflecting a compromise between representing universal values and acknowledging North Korea's stance on sovereignty. This decision aligns with the challenges of maintaining diplomatic relations, especially considering North Korea's recent hard-line rhetoric, including labeling South Korea as the "most hostile state."

Despite this development, Chung emphasized that the government's policy to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula remains consistent. The resolution, drafted by the European Union and Australia, is anticipated to be adopted at the United Nations Human Rights Council session later this month.

South Korea, which was among the 61 co-sponsors of the resolution at the U.N. General Assembly Third Committee last December, had a history of co-sponsorship from 2008-2018 but refrained from 2019-2021 during Moon Jae-in's administration.