At an event commemorating the Liberation Day last week, Yoon stressed three core values for reunification: "freedom values," "changes in the North Korean populace," and "international solidarity."
He emphasized, "Koreans must firmly establish the values and capabilities necessary to pursue freedom-based reunification." He added "We must also encourage changes that make North Koreans earnestly desire such reunification, and we must work in solidarity with the international community."
The following day, Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho elaborated on the president's vision, praising it as a practical, realistic approach to reunification. He said that South Korea's previous reunification policy established in 1994 has not been effectively implemented over the past 30 years. Kim expressed confidence that North Koreans would not resist the latest vision.
While Pyongyang has not officially responded to Yoon's proposal, the ministry remains optimistic. Ministry spokesperson Koo Byoung-sam said that South Korea will continue to monitor for any reaction from North Korea.
"The president himself has specifically proposed dialogues with North Korea. By suggesting practical, working-level talks with no strings attached, North Korea is expected to consider this offer," Koo said.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
