The Ministry of Unification said on the 10th that foreign affairs and security ministries are in close, constant communication regarding Minister Chung Dong-young's remarks on the need to adjust the South Korea-U.S. combined exercises.
Spokesperson Yoon Min-ho said at a regular briefing, "My understanding is that the South Korea-U.S. combined exercises were mentioned in the sense that, beyond the military aspect, they carry important implications for inter-Korean relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula."
In response to a question asking whether consultations to adjust the South Korea-U.S. exercises are taking place among the relevant ministries, Yoon, the Spokesperson, said, "I am not saying that anything specific is being done," adding, "The point is that the foreign affairs and security ministries are in close and constant communication."
On the 8th, Minister Chung said, in relation to the operational direction of the South Korea-U.S. combined exercises as a "preemptive measure toward North Korea," "It is a very sensitive issue, but we cannot move toward U.S.-North Korea talks while conducting South Korea-U.S. military exercises," adding, "An adjustment of the South Korea-U.S. combined exercises is inevitable."
Regarding the Nov. 8 statement by North Korea's Defense Minister No Gwang-chol protesting the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), the Ministry of Unification said, "The South Korea-U.S. combined exercises are annual defensive drills conducted to deter war and protect peace," adding, "The government will continue to steadily and consistently pursue efforts to realize peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula."