"Criticism Does Not Help Build Trust"... Urges Participation in the "Journey" to Peace

[Anchor]

In response to Kim Yo-jong's mockery, the Blue House stated that "derogatory remarks are not helpful in building mutual trust." While expressing a degree of displeasure, it refrained from counter-criticism and exercised restraint. The government urged North Korea to join the "journey" to transform the armistice system into a peace regime.

This is report by Kim Hye-young.

[Reporter]

The Blue House refrained from an emotional response to the statement by Kim Yo-jong, deputy department director of the Workers' Party of Korea, criticizing South Korea.

Instead, it urged North Korea to "stop unnecessary criticism and move forward together toward peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula," adding that "derogatory remarks against our government and the president do not help in building mutual trust."

While avoiding escalating the situation with retaliatory criticism, the Blue House drew a line against Kim Yo-jong's remarks.

The Blue House also reiterated its intention to continue playing the role of a "pacemaker" for a policy of peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect and the resumption of North Korea-U.S. dialogue.

The South Korean government released an official statement on August 21, urging, "Do not distort our commitment to peace on the Korean Peninsula, and join us in the 'journey' to transform the unstable armistice system into a peace regime," emphasizing that "only when the South and the North come together can we complete this 'journey' to the end."

A high-ranking official at the Ministry of Unification stressed, "A peace regime cannot be achieved unless the South and the North look in the same direction," adding, "In that regard, disparagement or distortion must not occur, and consideration and respect for each other are necessary."

A government official told SBS, "Judging by Kim Yo-jong's statement, it appears there were no prior behind-the-scenes contacts between North Korea and the U.S.," but added, "Since she did not directly criticize U.S. President Trump, it seems she has left the door open for dialogue."

The atmosphere within the South Korean government is focused on seeing through the intent behind North Korea's criticism against the South to avoid falling into premature optimism, while concentrating on supporting the realization of President Trump's proposal for dialogue.

The South Korean military concluded the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises today, having shortened them to six days following President Trump's request for reduction, and plans to conduct only 7 out of the originally planned 14 joint field training exercises.

(Video by Cho Choon-dong, Video Editing by Lee Seung-yeol, Design by Park Tae-young)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.