Will South Korea Maintain Peace Without Absorbing North Korea?
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Synopsis
In a significant reaffirmation of peace, South Korea's Vice Unification Minister asserts the country's commitment to avoiding unification by absorption and hostile actions against North Korea. This stance aims to foster dialogue and peace on the Korean Peninsula amidst ongoing tensions.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea rejects unification by absorption.
- Peace on the Korean Peninsula is a priority.
- The previous government's actions harmed inter-Korean relations.
- South Korea is open to reviewing sanctions when necessary.
- Collaboration with the U.S. is essential in combating North Korean cyber activities.
Seoul, Nov 10 (NationPress) South Korea will neither engage in unification through absorption nor conduct any hostile actions towards North Korea, asserted the vice unification minister on Monday. This statement reinforces President Lee Jae Myung's government's commitment to fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Vice Unification Minister Kim Nam-jung delivered these remarks during a gathering with residents in border regions at Camp Greaves, a former U.S. military base now serving as a field-trip venue in Paju, located just below the Demilitarised Zone separating the two Koreas, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
"To realize a peaceful Korean Peninsula devoid of conflict, the Lee Jae Myung administration will acknowledge and respect the North Korean system, avoiding any pursuit of unification by absorption or hostile actions," Kim emphasized.
The vice minister pointed out that inter-Korean relations have significantly deteriorated under the previous Yoon Suk Yeol government, highlighting that the anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns at the border, along with North Korea's retaliatory actions, have inflicted harm on border communities.
"The essential resolution to mitigate the suffering due to division lies in establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula," Kim articulated, stressing that this is a pivotal moment for both Koreas to re-engage in dialogue, urging Pyongyang to reciprocate Seoul's peace initiatives.
On November 6, South Korea's Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Ji-na mentioned that South Korea is willing to reconsider sanctions against North Korea if necessary, especially in light of new U.S. sanctions on North Korean individuals and entities over illicit cyber activities.
"In instances of cryptocurrency theft by Pyongyang, collaboration between South Korea and the U.S. is crucial, as it could finance North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, threatening our digital ecosystem," Kim stated during an interview with Yonhap News TV.
"South Korea has been actively working to combat illegal activities, and in that context, we can contemplate reviewing sanctions if truly required," Kim added.
Her comments followed the U.S. announcement on Tuesday (U.S. time) imposing sanctions on eight North Korean individuals and two entities involved in laundering money acquired through illicit cyber operations.
Kim noted that the U.S. is currently coordinating internally regarding a joint fact sheet on the outcomes of last week's summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump.
"We are waiting as the U.S. is in the process of adjusting and reviewing the wording," Kim concluded.
Point of View
I observe that South Korea's current approach under President Lee Jae Myung is a vital step towards fostering dialogue and reducing tensions with North Korea. A balanced and peaceful resolution is essential for the stability of the Korean Peninsula, and we must support efforts that prioritize diplomacy over conflict.
NationPress
26/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Korea's current policy towards North Korea?
South Korea will not pursue unification by absorption or engage in hostile acts towards North Korea, focusing instead on building peace.
Who is the Vice Unification Minister of South Korea?
The current Vice Unification Minister is Kim Nam-jung.
What recent actions have affected inter-Korean relations?
Relations deteriorated under the previous government due to anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns and retaliatory actions from North Korea.
Is South Korea open to reviewing sanctions against North Korea?
Yes, South Korea has expressed a willingness to review sanctions if necessary, particularly in response to North Korea's illicit activities.
What was discussed in the recent summit between South Korea and the U.S.?
The summit addressed coordination on sanctions and strategies to combat North Korea's cyber activities.
