Reviewing and Seeking Strategies for the Advancement of the Policy for Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula

Unification Ministry Convenes the 4th Advisory Group Meeting on the Korean Peninsula Peace Strategy (June 17)

On June 17, Minister of Unification Chung Dong Young convened the 4th Advisory Group Meeting on the Korean Peninsula Peace Strategy.

The meeting was attended by 16 experts, including former Minister of Unification Jeong Se Hyun and Chair of the Korea Peace Forum Kim Yeon Chul. Marking the first anniversary of the launch of the Lee Jae Myung administration, the participants objectively reviewed the achievements of the policy for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula pursued thus far, and sought practical tasks to advance the policy to the next level amid the recent complex situation on the peninsula.

Minister Chung stated, "With recent major summit diplomacy winding down and the U.S.-Iran war coming to an end, eyes are turning back to the Korean Peninsula." He emphasized, "The primary parties to the Korean Peninsula issue are South and North Korea, making us the 'constant.' It is tragic when the surrounding countries, which are 'variables,' overwhelm this constant." He added, "Reaffirming our commitment to making 2026 the first year of peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, we will focus our efforts even more heavily in the second half of the year."

The Advisory Group assessed that, "While the government succeeded in creating an initial atmosphere of easing tensions through proactive measures, it fell short of achieving results in establishing crisis management channels." They emphasized, "It is crucial to consistently send the message of the policy for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula to North Korea and neighboring countries."

Furthermore, noting that "anticipating the second half of 2026 as a turning point in the situation on the Korean Peninsula, there is a need to realign relevant response strategies and focus on managing ROK-China and ROK-Russia relations," the experts urged the Ministry of Unification to take an active role in managing the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

The Ministry of Unification will continue listening to experts to further implement, develop, and institutionalize the peace strategy for the Korean Peninsula.