South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated that the current inter-Korean relationship is in an extremely dangerous state where accidental conflict could break out at any time. To change the status quo, it is necessary to patiently and continuously push for the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue.
Lee made these remarks en route from Johannesburg, South Africa to Turkey, after the conclusion of the Group of 20 Leaders' Summit.
He said that the current relationship between the two Koreas has become extremely hostile and confrontational, lacking basic trust. At present, all communication channels have been cut off, making it impossible to resolve accidental conflicts even if they occur, which is worrying.
Lee Jae-myung stressed that, given the current situation, efforts for dialogue should be increased, and the issue of unification should be approached from a long-term perspective. The South does not have the idea of "absorbing unification"; it should first talk with the North to achieve peaceful coexistence, and then discuss unification.
When asked whether he would consider scaling down South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises to ease tensions, Lee Jae-myung said: "If the two Koreas can firmly establish a peace mechanism, then it is desirable not to conduct exercises. In the long run, South Korea's national defense must be self-reliant."
He pointed out that, depending on the situation, reducing or postponing exercises may be an outcome of establishing a peace mechanism, or could be used as leverage to promote its establishment, but it is difficult to say which it will be at present.