South Korea op-ed criticizes unification minister over remarks

May 5 (Asia Today) -- This commentary was written by Cho Young-gi, secretary-general of the Korea Institute for National Unification Advancement and former professor at Korea University.

A South Korean policy expert has criticized recent remarks by the country's unification minister, arguing they undermine the constitutional mandate and core mission of the Ministry of Unification.

Cho Young-gi, secretary-general of the Korea Institute for National Unification Advancement and a former professor at Korea University, said the minister's comments appear to reject the very purpose of the ministry.

The criticism follows remarks by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, who recently described the concept of unification as "very violent" and characterized it as an ideal rather than a practical goal.

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Cho argued such statements contradict Article 4 of South Korea's Constitution, which calls for peaceful unification based on a liberal democratic order, and the Government Organization Act, which assigns the ministry responsibility for inter-Korean dialogue, exchange and unification policy.

He also raised concerns over the minister's use of the term "Joseon" when referring to North Korea, instead of the commonly used "North Korea," and government-backed discussions on naming conventions.

Cho said terminology shapes perception and warned that such changes could influence public understanding, particularly given ongoing tensions between the two Koreas.

He noted that Chung, during his earlier tenure as minister in the mid-2000s, strongly supported unification and opposed proposals to abolish the ministry, but has since shifted his stance, expressing skepticism about unification and discussing a "two-state" framework.

Cho questioned the shift, pointing to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's recent characterization of inter-Korean relations as those between "two hostile states," and suggested parallels between the minister's remarks and Pyongyang's position.

He argued that abandoning unification as a goal risks leaving North Korean citizens under authoritarian rule and undermines universal values.

"Unification is not an abstract ideal but a practical reality," Cho said, calling on the government to actively pursue conditions that could lead to peaceful unification.

The op-ed concluded by urging policymakers to reaffirm their commitment to unification and to strengthen efforts to inform North Korean citizens about broader global values.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260505010000620