Prime Minister Han Seong-sook stated on Sunday (October 18), "We will steadily build the foundation for peaceful coexistence so that the door to dialogue between the South and the North can open and we can once again speak of peace and shared prosperity."

Speaking at the Presidential Flag Athletic Meet for People from the Five Northern Provinces held at Hyochang Stadium in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Han remarked, "Division is still a reality placed before us, and the pain of displacement and family separation remains ongoing."

Addressing the displaced people and families with roots in the northern provinces attending the event, Han expressed her gratitude, saying, "You are the key protagonists of our modern history who overcame the ravages of war to achieve the industrialization and democratization of the Republic of Korea. On behalf of the government, I express my deepest respect and gratitude."

She added, "Our efforts to open a path where the South and the North can coexist peacefully cannot stop," emphasizing, "I trust that all of you from the northern provinces will contribute great strength to bringing our people together as one and building a peace regime."

(Photo: Yonhap News)