Unification Minister Chung Dong-young stated that he has conveyed an explanation to the United States that he had already made related remarks prior to taking office, addressing the controversy over the leak of classified South Korea-U.S. intelligence that erupted following his remarks on the Kusong nuclear facility in March.

Meeting with reporters at the Government Complex Seoul today (October 12), Chung took issue with his March remarks being cited as the reason behind the U.S. restrictions on intelligence sharing, emphasizing, "I also spoke about Kusong City during the hearing on July 14, 2025," and "that was a remark made in my capacity as a lawmaker."

His remarks are interpreted as emphasizing that mentioning Kusong as North Korea's third nuclear development site did not constitute a leak of classified South Korea-U.S. intelligence.

Chung disclosed, "It was a remark made in July (when I was a lawmaker), so why hold the minister accountable? I asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explain this (to the U.S. side) and also asked the ambassador (to the U.S.) to explain it."

He added that the U.S. side might have missed his earlier remarks, asking, "Since it has been conveyed through multiple channels, wouldn't the United States also take this into account?"

Regarding concerns that North Korea is exploiting his recent remarks that it is difficult to identify the landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone as a North Korean landmine attack, Chung answered, "I do not agree."

Regarding calls for his dismissal raised by the opposition party and others, Chung drew a line, saying, "It is 2026. Saying that I must be dismissed or resign is red-baiting. Calling for my removal is red-baiting."

(Photo: Yonhap News)