Speaking at a mass for National Reconciliation and Unity at Seoul’s Myeongdong Cathedral on March 10th, he stated, “We deeply regret the reckless drone infiltration that recently occurred.”
This marks the first official expression of regret to North Korea by a high-ranking government official regarding the drone incident.
A Unification Ministry spokesperson clarified that the minister’s comments referred to a recent incident involving civilians launching drones into North Korea.
Jeong also addressed past drone operations during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, describing them as “reckless and extremely dangerous acts that provoked attacks against South Korea.” He emphasized that such “deeply unfortunate incidents must never be repeated.”
The minister urged for the swift reinstatement of the September 19th military agreement, stressing that “hostile actions in the air must cease immediately.”
When pressed by reporters about whether his statement of regret was coordinated with the Blue House, Jeong responded that it was “a decision made by the Unification Ministry.”
During the same address, Jeong commented on the 10th anniversary of the Kaesong Industrial Complex’s closure.
He characterized the unilateral suspension and shutdown of the complex as “ill-advised decisions that eroded inter-Korean trust and left deep scars on the hearts of our citizens.”
Regarding sanctions against North Korea, Jeong pointed out their detrimental impact on humanitarian cooperation efforts.
He cited past instances where sanctions blocked medical aid deliveries, emphasizing that “sanctions should not become a roadblock that worsens the lives of North Korean civilians and impedes reconciliation and cooperation.”
Jeong praised the UN Security Council’s recent approval of sanctions exemptions for 17 humanitarian projects in North Korea, indicating his intention to explore further cooperative measures.
Looking ahead, he suggested that North Korean youth participation in the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul “could serve as a catalyst for peace on the Korean Peninsula.”
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