Seoul: The unification ministry on Wednesday rejected media criticism that it maintains a "submissive" stance toward North Korea after Unification Minister Chung Dong-young made consecutive remarks expressing regrets over actions that strained ties with the regime.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry released a press statement addressing misconceptions about the government's approach to North Korea. It emphasized that efforts are aimed at creating conditions for inter-Korean trust and pursuing peaceful coexistence, rather than submission.

The media criticism followed Chung's expression of regret over a privately led drone dispatch to North Korea in recent months and Seoul's 2016 decision to shut down the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a symbol of inter-Korean cooperation. The ministry acknowledged these actions as past missteps and emphasized the need for courage in recognizing and overcoming such wrongdoings.

Since the Lee Jae Myung administration took office last June, it has consistently extended dialogue overtures to Pyongyang. However, these efforts have yet to elicit a response from North Korea.