Seoul: Kang Chang-il, vice chair of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC), expressed his hopes on Wednesday for the resumption of dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang by the end of the year, following the U.S. midterm elections in November. This statement was made during his first press conference since assuming his role.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang, who has served as a four-term lawmaker and was formerly the ambassador to Japan from 2021 to 2022, suggested that a gesture of goodwill from Washington would be necessary to initiate talks. He added that the decision to engage would then rest with Pyongyang. Although he did not specify what form this gesture should take, he remained optimistic about the possibility of North Korea's acceptance of a sincere proposal.

When questioned about what actions could be considered "sincere" enough to prompt movement on nuclear issues, Kang mentioned sanctions relief and a peace treaty as potential options. His appointment as vice chair followed the passing of his predecessor, former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, in April.

The PUAC, led by President Lee Jae Myung, functions as a constitutional presidential advisory body. It is dedicated to advancing peaceful unification through policy consultation, fostering public consensus, and engaging in international dialogue.