South Korean President Lee Committed to Dialogue with North Korea for the Return of Abducted Citizens

Seoul, June 28: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has pledged to resolve the long-standing issue of citizens abducted by North Korea through dialogue. On Sunday, he stated that his administration would work towards addressing the plight of South Korean citizens taken during the Korean War (1950-53) through discussions and cooperation.

During a ceremony in Paju, held to commemorate abducted citizens, Vice Minister of Unification Kim Nam-jung read President Lee’s message, emphasizing that the government will not allow the issue of abducted citizens to be forgotten in history.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee affirmed that the government will continuously strive for a practical resolution to this problem through dialogue and collaboration. He expressed understanding for the pain experienced by families of abducted citizens who have been in North Korea for over 70 years. Lee reiterated his commitment to transforming the ongoing “hostility and confrontation” between North and South Korea into “peaceful coexistence.”

This event marked the second annual observance of the Memorial Day for abducted citizens, established by law to be held on June 28, starting in 2024. Approximately 300 attendees included the Vice Minister of Unification, families of abducted citizens, and officials from related agencies.

Earlier, on Friday, South Korea’s Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young discussed the need for a shift in perspective regarding North Korea’s nuclear issue, suggesting that denuclearization should not be the sole condition for dialogue. He noted that the lack of progress in nuclear talks over the past three decades has allowed North Korea to enhance its nuclear and weapon capabilities.

Chung emphasized that discussions on peace can only occur after addressing North Korea’s nuclear concerns, advocating for a phased and practical approach. He proposed a three-step process for resolving the nuclear issue: first, halting the nuclear program; second, reducing it; and finally, achieving denuclearization.

He stated, “This process should begin with dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea.” Referring to the 2018 Singapore summit, he urged both nations to resume talks to end mutual hostility and establish new relations. Chung added that restoring U.S.-North Korea dialogue could pave the way for four-party talks involving the U.S., China, and both Koreas, which would be beneficial for establishing lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.