Vice Unification Minister, “Inter-Korean Summit for Next March”

Rhee Bong-jo, Vice Unification minister, hinted at a push for an inter-Korean summit, causing a stir.

Rhee was invited to speak at the “National Reconciliation Academy” managed by the Korea Reunification Society of the Citizens’ Coalition for Economic Justice and said, “Next year will be the 60th anniversary of our liberation and also the fifth year since the June 15 summit, and so after discussing over the matter in November and preparing for plans in January and February of next year, a symbolic event should take place between South and North Korea in March.”

He added, “A prolonged cessation in the inter-Korean talks is not desired. Dispatching a special envoy for a breakthrough in the inter-Korean relationship is one of possible strategic plans.”

Rhee’s words are bringing about observations that it might be possible the government is confidentially pushing plans for an inter-Korean summit or a dispatch of a special envoy.

However, as the stir grew larger, Rhee explained, “What I meant was that the inter-Korean relationship should be normalized by at least next March, rather than an immediate summit or a dispatch of a special envoy.”

taewon_ha@donga.com