Jung Dong-young, the Minister of Unification, responded to increased criticism from opposition parties, including the People Power Party, regarding the recent landmine explosion south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) by stating, "We need to look at the context." He also addressed concerns about tensions in Korea-U.S. relations.
During a press briefing at the Government Seoul Complex in Jongno, Jung remarked, "Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon referred to the incident as a landmine attack, but the essence lies in the differing standards regarding the MDL between the United Nations Command and the North and South. It is necessary to align these standards to prevent recurrence."
Jung drew attention by categorizing the 2015 Mokpo landmine incident as an 'event' while labeling the recent MDL situation as an 'accident.' He explained, "The Mokpo landmine was placed in areas frequented by our soldiers, whereas the current issue fundamentally concerns the alignment of the MDL."
In response to allegations that his comments about North Korea's nuclear facilities in Guseong-si have led to restricted U.S. intelligence sharing, Jung stated, "I made that statement as a member of the National Assembly back in July of last year." He dismissed calls for his dismissal as excessive, asserting, "The demand for my removal is a matter of political color theory."
He emphasized that President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Donald Trump met four times within a span of 13 months, stating, "If there is mutual understanding and respect between leaders, can we really say the alliance is in disarray?" He acknowledged that while there may be discord in Korea-U.S. relations, it should not be exaggerated.
Jung also claimed, regarding the U.S. decision to limit intelligence sharing on North Korea, "This time, the U.S. is mistaken." He argued that the U.S. is treating his March statement about uranium enrichment facilities in North Korea as a leak of classified information, despite him having made similar comments as a lawmaker in July of last year.
Additionally, following discussions at the National Security Council (NSC) about sanctions against North Korea in response to the MDL explosion, Jung addressed suspicions of inter-departmental conflict, stating, "The NSC is a place where different opinions are coordinated and adjusted. If all opinions were the same, it would indicate a lack of diversity in thought, which would hinder progress."
Regarding North Korea's claims that the landmine incident was a South Korean fabrication, Jung remarked, "It seems they are quoting my statement that I found difficult to specify." He refuted suggestions of a submissive stance toward North Korea, asserting, "We are moving forward with a balanced approach, not a submissive or aggressive one."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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