Unification Ministry Hosts Inaugural Plenary Meeting of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council

Elder statesmen from various sectors support policy for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula

Unification Ministry Hosts Inaugural Plenary Meeting of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (January 30)

The Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, composed of elder statesmen and experts from various sectors of society, has been launched to gather strategies and ideas to overcome the current deadlock in inter-Korean dialogue and exchange, and to move toward peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula.

On January 30, the Ministry of Unification held the inauguration ceremony and the first plenary meeting of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, an advisory body directly under the Minister.

Minister Chung Dong Young appointed 38 members, including prominent figures from across society, and designated former Unification Minister Jeong Se Hyun as the chairperson.

The meeting was attended by notable figures, including former Unification Ministers Lim Dong Won and Kim Yeon Chul, former Minister of Gender Equality and Family Jung Hyun Back, Seoul National University Professor Emeritus Pail Nak Chung, and Chung-Ang University Professor Kim Nu Ri.

Attending members predicted that the first half of this year would be a major turning point for the situation on the Korean Peninsula. They emphasized the importance of restoring inter-Korean dialogue channels and fostering an environment for talks through cooperation with neighboring countries.

Member Lim Dong Won stressed that there is no alternative to the Ministry's policy of peaceful coexistence. He noted that peaceful coexistence entails not only "peace-keeping efforts," such as easing tensions and preventing military conflicts, but also proactive "peace-making efforts."

Chairperson Jeong Se Hyun pointed out that the specific details of the "preemptive measures" mentioned in the President's August 15 Liberation Day speech remain unclear.

Member Paik Nak Chung expressed strong support for the Unification Minister's DMZ policy.

Other members offered various insights on promoting cooperation with private organizations and overseas Koreans, strengthening democratic citizenship education, and formulating international cooperation strategies.

Minister Chung exchanged diverse views on strategies for peaceful coexistence and called for the members' active participation to make 2026 the inaugural year for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.