Wi Sung-lac, Office of National Security chief, on the 24th addressed the recently raised conflict between the "sovereigntists" and the "alliance camp" in diplomacy and security, saying, "Externally, I think it is better not to show a confusing appearance."
Deputy Minister Wi opened a briefing in the Chunchugwan at the Blue House on visits to the United States, Canada, and Japan that morning and said, "The United States and Japan are looking at and being briefed on all of our situation," adding, "At times, they ask about the South Korean government's position."
In response to a question at the briefing about "ways to resolve the conflict between the sovereigntists and the alliance camp," Deputy Minister Wi said, "There is always much controversy about the sovereigntists and the alliance camp, so it is difficult to speak," adding, "If I keep talking, things get more complicated, so I will refrain. President Lee Jae-myung has simply put many things in order."
He continued, "As we have done so far, we will work so that various opinions from multiple ministries can present positions through the National Security Council (NSC)," adding, "Anywhere can have different opinions, but what matters is coordination."
Recently, as President Lee Jae-myung received briefings from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification and others, a rift surfaced between the "sovereigntists," who emphasize Korea's lead in North Korea policy, and the "alliance camp," which prioritizes cooperation with the United States. In this process, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs showed a stance that policy coordination between South Korea and the United States should be managed through diplomatic channels, while the Ministry of Unification put forward separate consultations with the United States regarding North Korea policy.