Seoul: The unification ministry stated on Friday that its commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is steadfast, emphasizing the pursuit of "phased, viable" solutions. This declaration comes in response to North Korea's recent reaffirmation of its refusal to abandon its nuclear arsenal.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry's announcement followed a statement from Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who criticized a Group of Seven declaration made during a summit in France. The G7 statement had reinforced the group's dedication to the "complete denuclearization" of North Korea in line with U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Kim Yo-jong asserted that North Korea's nuclear capabilities are essential to its "core interests" and described denuclearization as a "line of no retreat that can never be crossed." The ministry, however, remains focused on finding mutually acceptable solutions based on current realities, as stated by Chang Yoon-jeong, deputy spokesperson at the ministry.

Chang noted that Kim's recent comments mirror her earlier stance this month, reiterating the importance of North Korea's nuclear program to the nation's core interests, thus indicating its nonnegotiable nature.