President gives unification ministry rein on NK policy

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a policy briefing by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification at Government Complex Seoul, Friday. Yonhap

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 status as a divided nation.

“As a divided country, the role of the Ministry of Unification is extremely meaningful and important,” Lee said.

Lee expressed regret over Pyongyang’s recent stance advocating “two hostile states,” saying it leaves essentially no room for communication.

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, left, speaks during a joint policy briefing at Government Complex Seoul, Friday. On the right is Foreign Minister Cho Hyun. Yonhap

Acknowledging that creating space for communication will not be an easy task, Lee emphasized the need for a strategic shift in how South Korea approaches the North.

“With patience, and through proactive and leading efforts, we must try to ease inter-Korean hostility and allow even a minimal level of trust to take root,” the president said. “That responsibility lies with the Ministry of Unification.”

Lee’s comments come amid friction between the unification and foreign affairs ministries over who should take the initiative on North Korea policy. Tensions surfaced earlier this month over a South Korea-U.S. policy coordination meeting on North Korea's nuclear issue.

While the foreign ministry was preparing to launch the consultative body by stressing policy coordination with Washington, the unification ministry decided not to participate in the meeting and instead held a separate session with foreign diplomats here to explain its North Korea policy. It said it would later pursue separate discussions with the U.S.

The disagreement has been widely seen as reflecting a broader divide within the administration between advocates of greater strategic autonomy and those favoring a strong alliance-based approach.

"The Korean Peninsula issue cannot be resolved by the 'bureaucratic thinking' waiting for the U.S. approval and permission," Chung said at a seminar in November.

Regarding the inter-ministerial rift, the presidential office played down suggestions of any deep-seated conflict.

“All matters related to diplomacy and security are being discussed and coordinated closely through the National Security Council as we seek solutions to issues on the Korean Peninsula,” a presidential official said.

Another key presidential official told The Korea Times that with no settled answer yet on North Korea policy, the president and his administration are “in the process of searching for the right path and, in that context, listening to a range of perspectives.”

A separate presidential aide added that the president encourages open debate. “He is watching both sides closely,” the aide said.