South Korea and U.S. remain aligned on North Korea policy, says FM Cho

During a parliamentary audit of the Foreign Ministry in Seoul, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun affirmed that South Korea and the United States remain aligned in their policy toward North Korea. Cho emphasized a shared commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, noting that the two nations continue to coordinate closely to encourage North Korea to return to negotiations.

Cho expressed a desire to seek substantive progress through a phased approach aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear capabilities. He also noted the importance of encouraging constructive roles from China and Russia in the process. Regarding bilateral relations with China, Cho indicated plans for high-level exchanges during the APEC summit in November, aiming to manage sensitive issues like Taiwan to maintain diplomatic momentum.

The audit also saw partisan friction regarding the government's foreign policy. Opposition members criticized the administration for what they described as an inconsistent approach between its handling of Ukraine and North Korea, particularly following recent incidents involving North Korean mines near the Military Demarcation Line.