Seoul: Unification Minister Chung Dong-young announced that the ministry is committed to spearheading policy development toward North Korea. In a policy briefing to President Lee Jae Myung, Chung emphasized the ministry's intention to enhance its role as a primary entity in matters concerning the Korean Peninsula.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung addressed the diminishing impact of international sanctions on North Korea due to its ongoing nuclear and missile activities. He expressed the ministry's intent to pursue sanctions relief to reengage with North Korea. "In order to buttress inter-Korean and multilateral exchanges and cooperation, (the ministry) plans to discuss and seek the relaxation of sanctions," Chung stated during the briefing.

Chung acknowledged the debate over strengthening sanctions but argued that the current measures have lost their effectiveness. He noted that North Korea's trade with China continues, with some transactions going unscreened, and the regime views sanctions as "the most hostile" actions against it. He asserted that maintaining sanctions while seeking dialogue would not be acceptable to Pyongyang.

The prospect of lifting sanctions remains uncertain, with Washington reportedly maintaining a skeptical stance. Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Kevin Kim reportedly emphasized the importance of keeping sanctions as leverage in potential negotiations with North Korea.

Chung also highlighted the significance of the period leading up to U.S. President Donald Trump's planned visit to China, suggesting it could be a "decisive" time for security conditions on the Korean Peninsula. He referenced the possibility of President Trump resuming summit talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during the visit.

To facilitate North Korea's external commerce under the sanctions regime, Chung proposed establishing a financial transaction arrangement system. This system would allow North Korea to import essential resources while exporting its mineral and rare earth resources, with payments held in an escrow account for international scrutiny.

Additionally, Chung proposed a vision for an express train line connecting Seoul to Beijing via North Korea, aimed at improving ties with Pyongyang.