South Korea’s presidential office has refuted claims of discord between the Unification Ministry and the Foreign Ministry following the Unification Ministry’s announcement that it will not participate in the upcoming South Korea-U.S. consultations on North Korea policy. The talks, set for December 16, are intended to focus on coordination of North Korea policies between Seoul and Washington.
During a press briefing in Seoul, Kang Yu-jung, spokesperson for the presidential office, acknowledged that while there may be “slightly different opinions,” it is “difficult to describe the situation as conflict at this point.” Kang emphasized the government’s commitment to exploring “various methods” to facilitate dialogue with North Korea, despite ongoing frustrations in establishing effective communication.
The Unification Ministry’s decision to withdraw from the discussions stems from its assertion that the upcoming meeting primarily addresses follow-up matters related to a “joint fact sheet,” rather than engaging in broader diplomatic conversations. The ministry expressed its willingness to conduct separate consultations with the United States as required, reiterating that it remains in close coordination with relevant ministries and the U.S. regarding North Korean policy.
Concerns have been raised within the Unification Ministry about the possibility that these regular consultations might resemble the South Korea-U.S. Working Group established during the administration of Moon Jae-in in 2018. This group was tasked with coordinating various issues, including North Korean denuclearization, but faced criticism in South Korea for limiting inter-Korean exchanges.
As tensions on the Korean Peninsula continue, the South Korean government is navigating a complex landscape of international relations and internal policy discussions. The presidential office’s assurance aims to quell any speculation regarding a rift within the administration as both ministries work towards a cohesive strategy for dealing with North Korea.