Seoul: Unification Minister Chung Dong-young stated on Thursday that his ministry's efforts for peaceful relations with North Korea remain steadfast, despite President Lee Jae Myung's cautious stance regarding the ministry's latest proposals.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung's comments followed President Lee Jae Myung's call for a careful approach regarding the unification ministry's suggestion to address North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and other peace initiatives. This strategy, presented during a recent policy briefing, aims to foster trust by dropping the "main enemy" label against North Korea.

The proposal stirred concerns about the potential dovish direction of the Lee administration towards North Korea, which has not shown signs of reciprocating these gestures. President Lee emphasized the need for caution, highlighting the risk that such goodwill policies could be politically exploited. "You really need to think this through carefully," he advised.

Further reflecting potential discord within the government, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun expressed doubts about Chung's initiatives, describing them as "idealistic" in a separate meeting with reporters. Cho remarked, "It would be great if that vision came true. But realistically, our ministry does not see it as achievable." He also noted that the unification ministry's proposal for a four-way dialogue involving the two Koreas, the United States, and China has not been coordinated within the government.

Chung responded to these criticisms by emphasizing the importance of idealism in driving change. "We only can change reality only if we have idealism," he stated, expressing hope that government cooperation could advance these efforts.