South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday called on the international community to support the “unification efforts” of the Korean peninsula, ahead of legislative elections in the country, while Pyongyang described Seoul as its “main enemy”.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday called on the international community to support the “unification efforts” of the Korean peninsula, ahead of legislative elections in the country, while Pyongyang described Seoul as its “main enemy” this year. Relations between the two Koreas are at an all-time low, as Pyongyang accelerates its weapons development programs and Seoul steps up military cooperation with Washington and Tokyo.
“We must come together on a path that will ultimately lead to unification”
“Our unification efforts must become a source of hope and a beacon for the North Korean people,” the South Korean president said at a ceremony marking the anniversary of the 1919 Korean uprising against Japanese colonial rule. . The South Korean president, who has maintained a tough stance against Pyongyang, has rarely broached the subject of unification since taking office in 2022.
“We must come together on a path that will ultimately lead to the unification” of the Korean Peninsula, he said, stressing that the international community “must join forces responsibly.” Yoon Suk Yeol said strengthening ties with Tokyo helps counter the ever-increasing military threat from North Korea.
Frosty relations between North and South
“Security cooperation between the two countries against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats has been further strengthened,” he said, adding that the two countries were “working together to overcome the painful past.” North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared in December that he would no longer seek reconciliation and reunification with the South, accusing Seoul and Washington of having caused an “uncontrollable crisis”. He also closed agencies responsible for promoting reunification.
This year, North Korea has increased cruise missile tests and live-fire exercises near the border. Pyongyang also described South Korea as its “main enemy” and threatened war over even minor violations of its territory. South Korea is preparing for crucial elections on April 10 in which Yoon Suk Yeol’s Conservative Party hopes to regain a parliamentary majority for the first time since 2016.