Seoul: Unification Minister Chung Dong-young announced that the ministry is committed to taking a proactive role in shaping policies towards North Korea. In a policy briefing to President Lee Jae Myung, Chung emphasized the need for the ministry, which oversees relations with Pyongyang, to "strengthen its leading role as a party directly involved in the Korean Peninsula issue."
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung highlighted that international sanctions against North Korea due to its nuclear and missile programs have lost their effectiveness. He proposed seeking sanctions relief to foster reengagement 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 ongoing debate about whether to strengthen sanctions on North Korea but argued that existing measures have become ineffective. He pointed out that North Korea's trade with China, which comprises the majority of its external commerce, now partially evades screening, and the regime perceives sanctions as "the most hostile" action against it.
He asserted that pursuing dialogue with North Korea while maintaining sanctions is not feasible, as Pyongyang demands the lifting of hostile policies as a prerequisite for talks. "It would be impossible to pursue dialogue while maintaining sanctions at a time when (North Korea) is calling for the lifting of hostile policies as a prerequisite for talks," Chung reiterated in a separate briefing to reporters.
The minister referenced sanctions related to the suspension of joint economic projects with North Korea, a measure taken in May 2010 following the North's attack on the South Korean Navy frigate Cheonan. This action halted trade, investment, and assistance programs with North Korea, except for humanitarian aid.
Chung's remarks come amid skepticism from Washington regarding easing sanctions on Pyongyang. Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Kevin Kim reportedly emphasized to Chung the importance of maintaining sanctions as leverage in potential negotiations with North Korea.
Chung also noted that the period leading up to U.S. President Donald Trump's planned visit to China in April would be "decisive" for the security conditions on the Korean Peninsula, with the possibility of Trump resuming summit talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during the Asia trip.
The minister proposed a package of economic cooperative projects to be considered if inter-Korean relations improve, including plans for a bullet train line linking Seoul to Beijing via North Korea. Other proposals included a phased tourism initiative involving North Korea's Wonsan Kalma beach tourism zone and establishing a financial transaction system to support North Korea's external commerce within the sanctions framework.
Chung emphasized that "major changes" are necessary before these projects can be realized, highlighting the importance of creating a transparent system for North Korea to import essential resources and export minerals under international scrutiny.