Chung Dong-young, the Minister of Unification, met with Stephen Biegun, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, on September 21 at the Government Complex in Jongno, Seoul, to discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula and ways to resume dialogue.
In his opening remarks, Minister Chung pointed out that North Korea's nuclear capabilities have significantly advanced over the past seven years since the collapse of U.S.-North Korea negotiations during the Trump administration. He described this period as one of regression, stating, "The time since the Singapore agreement between the U.S. and North Korea has been a time of hostility and division, a time of defeat for both Koreas."
Chung expressed hope that this fall would mark a decisive turning point, allowing for a new beginning on the Korean Peninsula after seven years of stagnation and loss. He emphasized that the decisions of President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could serve as the driving force to move the situation forward. He added, "The leadership of President Lee Jae-myung and President Trump during this period is critically important."
During a subsequent private meeting, Minister Chung stressed that the only solution to end the long-standing confrontation on the Korean Peninsula is to establish a peace regime. He suggested that dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea should be the first step, which could then expand into a multilateral dialogue involving South Korea, North Korea, the U.S., and China. He also requested Biegun's support for the South Korean government's vision of peaceful coexistence, drawing on his experience as the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea.
In response, Biegun acknowledged that while there are various obstacles to resuming dialogue due to changes in the situation over the past seven years, he remains optimistic about the possibility of achieving this goal. He noted that while South Korea shares important security interests as a key U.S. ally, the primary responsibility for stabilizing the situation on the Korean Peninsula lies with South Korea. He emphasized the necessity of close communication between the U.S. and South Korea as engagement with North Korea progresses.
Meanwhile, Biegun visited South Korea as a keynote speaker at an event hosted by a North Korea-focused media outlet, and his visit to the Ministry of Unification was at the invitation of Minister Chung.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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