Minister Jeong Dong-young of the Ministry of Unification noted on the 28th that he plans to propose adjustments to the Korea-U.S. joint exercise 'Eulji Freedom Shield' (UFS). The Korea-U.S. joint exercise is scheduled to take place next month.
After paying respects at the Seoul National Cemetery that day, Minister Jeong responded to a question from reporters about whether he would propose adjustments to the Korea-U.S. joint training, saying, 'I am considering it.'
Minister Jeong also stated that discussions regarding the Korea-U.S. joint exercise will be a key focus at the National Security Council (NSC) working-level coordination meeting set for the 29th. The direction of adjustments, such as postponement or reduction, will be announced after the working-level coordination meeting.
There are concerns that making adjustments with just over two weeks left before the training is realistically difficult. Minister Jeong responded to this, saying, 'It seems adjustments are quite possible depending on our government's will.'
Regarding the possibility of differing opinions within the military, he said, 'What is clear is that the policy direction of the Lee Jae-myung government is different from that of the Yoon Suk-yeol government,' and added, 'We will not simply continue the approach of the Yoon Suk-yeol government regarding the Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, but will proceed cautiously.'
Minister Jeong stated, 'Perhaps the August Korea-U.S. military joint training has been referenced in Kim Yo-jong's remarks, but I think it might serve as a gauge for the Lee Jae-myung government's North Korea policy.'
Kim Yo-jong, the Deputy Director of the North Korean Workers' Party and sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, delivered a statement titled 'The Korea-China relationship has completely broken away from the concept of kinship' through the external media outlet, Korean Central News Agency.
Kim noted, 'We have no interest in any policy established in Seoul or any proposals made, and we have made it clear that there is no need to sit down with Korea or discuss issues.' She further stated, 'Even just looking back at the 50 days of Lee Jae-myung's administration, while sweet-talking about easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and improving Korea-China relations, there is no difference in the blind faith in the Korea-U.S. alliance and the attempts to confront us compared to predecessors, and there will be no day where the aggressive nature of large-scale joint military exercises across our southern border will be lifted.'
Minister Jeong commented on Kim's statement, saying, 'I think it is a more refined expression compared to past harsh statements,' adding, 'It has been reaffirmed that there is still a lack of trust between the two Koreas and that the wall of distrust remains high.'
Meanwhile, Minister Jeong revealed that he instructed the Ministry of Unification to fully allow civil exchanges with North Korea. He stated, 'Currently, we plan to operate under the clause that states if you report it, it will be processed, rather than running it on a permission system, which means you can report and engage in unlimited contact.' Additionally, he mentioned that to build national consensus on North Korea policies, a 'social dialogue body' would be established within the Ministry of Unification.
He explained that the organizational restructuring plan of the Ministry of Unification recently created a draft to restore the personnel reduced during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and to revive the abolished inter-Korean dialogue office and cooperation bureau.