Amid controversy surrounding President Lee Jae-myung describing a landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) as an "unfortunate accident" during his Armed Forces Day address the previous day, Seong Ki-hong, Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication at Cheong Wa Dae, stated today (October 2) that the remark was made "in the context of comforting the wounded soldiers."

Appearing on SBS Radio's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show" that day, Senior Secretary Seong said, "The context in which (President Lee) used the phrase 'unfortunate accident' was to comfort the soldiers who were seriously injured in the incident and to encourage and console their families."

He added, "The president holds the view that those who make extraordinary sacrifices for the nation must be given extraordinary compensation, and the message in the Armed Forces Day address was delivered with that same intent."

When the host asked, "Does that mean there is no intention to let North Korea off the hook?", Seong replied, "That is correct," emphasizing, "There is not the slightest change in our position to take necessary and stern measures based on the results of a thorough investigation."

Regarding the U.S. side's announcement of South Korea's investment in an Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, Senior Secretary Seong explained, "In the agreement reached between the two nations, there is no such thing as a binding commitment to invest," adding, "The announcement should be interpreted in the context of the domestic political situation in the United States."

Addressing points raised about vacancies in key posts, including the head of the Public Prosecution Office officially launching that day, the Minister of Justice, and the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, he said, "Appointments will be made step-by-step in due process in the near future."

When the host asked whether the appointment of Ha Joon-kyung as the new presidential chief of staff for policy means continuing the current policy stance, Seong remarked, "That could certainly be one aspect," assessing him as "the right person to channel significant energy into making the three major social policies—housing, jobs, and microfinance—a reality, ensuring that while maintaining the overall economic stance, the warmth of macroeconomic growth can reach ordinary citizens."

(Photo: Yonhap News)