As South Korea-U.S. joint drills are being scaled back at the direction of U.S. President Donald Trump, the government said it would ensure there is no disruption to the timeline for the transfer of wartime operational control.
Seong Gi-hong, senior presidential secretary for public communication, appeared on Channel A on the 19th and, regarding the downsizing of the South Korea-U.S. joint drills, said it "will not affect the recovery of wartime operational control."
Seong said, "The government's position is that the reduction of drills must not become an obstacle or cause delays to the policy direction and schedule of transferring operational control," adding, "We will consult with the United States in that direction."
On how President Trump ordered the reduction of drills, Seong said, "We first learned of it through Truth Social," and noted, "There were reports that a significant number of U.S. officials also first grasped the president's intent after seeing the post." Seong added, "It seems to be characteristic of President Trump's style."
He took a cautious stance on the possibility of a North Korea-U.S. summit being held on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November.
Seong said, "We hope the amicable relationship between the leaders will lead to improved North Korea-U.S. relations," adding, "We will do our part while communicating closely with the United States."
On whether to accept the resignation of Minister Jung Sung-ho of the Ministry of Justice, Seong said, "A decision will be made at an appropriate time." On speculation about a successor, Seong was guarded, saying, "It is not appropriate to mention a successor when the Minister is still in office."
Regarding the controversy over the development of Yongsan Park, the government drew a line, saying it is not seeking to use the entire park for developing dwellings.
Seong said, "It is by no means about tearing up the entire park in central Yongsan, which spans 910,000 pyeong, and turning it into a forest of apartment buildings," adding, "We proposed a plan to supply dwellings in some spaces by using partially damaged land or leftover plots as a housing ladder for young people."