President Lee - 'No Solution in Event of Accidental Inter-Korean Clash—Must Open Even the Smallest Channel'

(Seoul=Yonhap Infomax) Ji Seo Jeong – President Lee Jae-myung has assessed the current inter-Korean relationship as being in a "dangerous state," emphasizing the need for continued efforts to improve ties between the two Koreas.

During an in-flight press briefing on the presidential jet en route to Türkiye, the final stop of his Middle East and Africa tour on the 24th (local time), President Lee responded to questions regarding his earlier remarks about pursuing gradual, phased unification. He stated, "Efforts beyond what we have done so far, and a greater investment of time, will be required to improve inter-Korean relations."

In a prior interview with local media ahead of his visit to Türkiye, President Lee said, "Unification remains our ultimate goal and is not merely an ideal but a constitutional mandate," adding, "Our government does not seek unilateral unification."

This aligns with his previously stated position against "absorption unification" and his intention to approach unification from a long-term perspective.

President Lee expressed concern, saying, "Regrettably, inter-Korean relations have become extremely hostile and confrontational. There is not even the most basic level of trust, leading to extreme rhetoric and actions."

He continued, "North Korea is now erecting triple-layered barbed wire along the Military Demarcation Line—something not done for decades since the Korean War armistice. During the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration, all railways to North Korea were destroyed. Guard posts are being reinstalled, landmines are reportedly being laid, and we are now at a point where accidental clashes could occur at any time."

President Lee warned, "All lines of communication with North Korea have been severed. We are in a very dangerous situation where even dialogue and contact are being refused. If an accidental clash occurs, there is no way to resolve it."

He added, "Normally, even while fighting with the right hand, you shake hands with the left—that's how the world works. But here, everything has been completely cut off. It is truly regrettable."

President Lee asked, "What can we do in this situation? Should we give up and continue with a hardline policy? That would only make things worse." He stressed, "Now more than ever, we must be patient, secure robust deterrence, and maintain defense capabilities strong enough to suppress any provocation at any time. That is the fundamental premise."

He further stated, "On that foundation, we must communicate, engage in dialogue, persuade, and open channels. We must continue to try to talk, constantly convey our goodwill, and if there is suspicion, it is better to explain twice than once. We must persistently make efforts—even if it means opening just a needle's eye."

Addressing some calls for absorption unification, President Lee countered, "What would we gain by absorbing North Korea? How would we handle the enormous conflicts that would arise?" He added, "How would we bear the tremendous costs? Politicians irresponsibly inflame conflict by making such unnecessary statements."

He reiterated, "We have no intention of pursuing absorption unification. Our approach to unification is to first engage in dialogue, achieve peaceful coexistence, and then discuss the next steps."