President emphasizes unification ministry’s lead role in NK policy

President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the role of the Ministry of Unification, rather than the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in North Korea policy Friday, addressing the recent rift between the two ministries over Pyongyang-related policies. In response, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said his ministry will “strengthen the lead” as the primary player in the Korean Peninsula issue. During the two ministries’ policy briefing in Seoul, Lee stressed the need for patience and trust-building in inter-Korean relations. “South Korea must act with patience and do its utmost to reduce hostility between the two Koreas and allow even a small seed of trust to sprout,” Lee said. “That role, I believe, is one the Ministry of Unification must play.” His remarks followed a series of comments emphasizing engagement with Pyongyang and were seen as effectively endorsing the unification ministry’s position, reinforcing expectations that it will take the lead in shaping North Korea policy going forward. Lee repeatedly underscored the ministry’s significance, citing South Korea’s unique